I read the book Freedom Writers. It is a book that is made up of diary entries
from students that were considered “at-risk” or “unteachable” and their new
teacher. These students were placed in a new class and they all came from
different backgrounds and really clashed with each other. Mrs. Gruwell had to
come up with ways to make the students get along and open up more. Because the
school refused to give Mrs. Gruwell the materials she needed, she decided to
have them write in their own diaries. Some of the diary entries include what it
is like to live on the street, gang involvement, to witness murder, and what it
is like to think you don’t belong. In addition to writing the diary entries she
taught them about historical events such as the Holocaust and the war in
Bosnia. These examples demonstrated that these students were not the only ones
who have experienced similar situations. By exposing them to these situations,
Mrs. Gruwell, helped the students gain trust and were able to come to trust
each other. Some main themes throughout the book include discrimination, racism
and dedication. Mrs. Gruwell gave up her time, money and marriage to try and
help these students.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that
grabs your attention. I liked the way it was written in diary form and how it
always made me want to read more. My
favorite part of the book was when Ava testified in court and she was able to tell
the truth, so the innocent man could walk free. It made me feel fortunate to
know that I will never be in that situation.
In the end this book was a great reading experience. It
opened my eyes and showed me that I could relate past times with modern day
issues. I am very thankful for having the life that I have with a family who
loves and cares for me. It’s hard to believe that kids my age have to deal with
such horrific situations.
Book Review by Nick B.
Freedom Writers is a book about a school full of different religions and ethnic groups. At the time this was not something that happened often so the students weren't use to seeing school in that view. They were dealing with personal problems outside of school. It was not known to hang out with the opposite race. The bad situations spilled over to school and caused many conflicts. A majority of the students had been apart of a gang. But these gangs were not made up of people who share the same values it was a group of people with the same skin color and cultural history. Before they met Ms. G they didn't have anyone to run to. She worked with them and along the way they learned to love their selves. They overcame thier fears of trusting others not like them. In that class they formed a family. They were taught to believe in their selves. Through writing they expressed all the things they could never say out loud. Writing changed their lives. I recommended this book to anyone without a voice. If there is anything you are dealing with and cant find out how to say it write it. Reading freedom writers can help you with this. Reading the other stories can show you that you are not alone. There is a big chance you will find someone like yourself. I think you should go out and read this book Immediately.
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