ahumpherys's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
carstensena's review against another edition
5.0
I can't rave about this book enough. It is all about the people and their stories. And such stories! A great choice for teens, for schools, for adults. Just fascinating, and accessibly written. I listened to the audio for the first half, then finished in print. The audiobook is great!
csemjoro's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a fascinating insight into the lives of not just these teens, but the struggles of immigrants everywhere. It reminded me how fortunate I have been in my life. I identified even more with these students because we shared a graduating class, 2009, and makes me wonder what it would have been like to know them. This isn't a criticism of the book, really, but I am disappointed to not have any real follow up on their stories. I want to know where they are now, but it hasn't been even five years since the book was published, so I suppose I'm impatient. Still, for me, life has changed very much since high school. I hope they're all doing well.
mikaclapson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Deportation, and War
erincardis's review against another edition
5.0
Every future educator should read this book. Such an easy and fascinating read about the lives of immigrant students and all they deal with on top of learning a new language and navigating a new culture and country.
ajworkman77's review against another edition
4.0
Good read! My favorite moment is when the teacher explains that even though these students have lived and are living through tremendous earth shattering experiences they are still teenagers. With the same emotions and concerns no matter where they come from. Well written. You could tell that the author cares about the school, teachers, the students and education.
jcp1009's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing and I am always inspired by hearing the stories of students who want nothing more than to learn, who overcome such hardships to graduate. There was a lot in this book that made me tear up. Sometimes as a teacher it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, this book definitely brought it back for me.
maryeileen's review against another edition
4.0
Both heart breaking and rejuvenating at the same time, a beautiful reality of spirit and grit.
melissarochelle's review against another edition
4.0
First...the audio was a little tricky to follow at first because there are so many names, but it's still a really fascinating look at one year at the International High School @ Prospect Heights. I believe Hauser followed students and teachers from 2008-2009 and since then, several classes have left the IHS. I'd love to find out what happened to the students since. Where's Yasmeen? Is she still in school? Is Jessica still trying to just be friends with Harold? Did Mohammed graduate and go to college? How's Anne Perry's baby? Is her former student now her nanny? So many questions, but still this is a great book full of insight into the lives of immigrant teens.