ljrinaldi's review against another edition
3.0
This is an interesting story, based on a true story, about a school in a township in South Africa, where the school is constantly broken into. New computers are stolen from a locked room, by making a hole in the roof. It all seems hopeless.
But the principal feels that the future of the children is dependent on a good education, so he come sup with a plan. He hired the parents, who are out of work, to make bricks to fix the school, and to sell to the local community. This gives work to the parents, and helps the school as well.
It is an inspiring story, but the plot is given away right away, so there is no suspense. Perhaps the book blurb can be changed, or something, so there is a purpose reading the book, rather than knowing what will happen ahead of time.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But the principal feels that the future of the children is dependent on a good education, so he come sup with a plan. He hired the parents, who are out of work, to make bricks to fix the school, and to sell to the local community. This gives work to the parents, and helps the school as well.
It is an inspiring story, but the plot is given away right away, so there is no suspense. Perhaps the book blurb can be changed, or something, so there is a purpose reading the book, rather than knowing what will happen ahead of time.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Inspired by a true story, this book shows how empowering a community helped the children receive a better education.
jozefsyndicate's review against another edition
4.0
"Books and Bricks" by Sindiwe Magona delivers a poignant message of community restoration through the thoughtfulness and ingenuity of Mr. Williams, who is the new principal at Manyano School. Neglected and robbed of its new computers, the setting at a fictitious South African School could have very well been replaced by many American schools that fail to be a citadel of learning or safe place. By challenging the Afrikaans to use their brickmaking skills at the school with consistent water and electricity, Mr. Williams ignites--and reignites--the heart of the community. Albeit fiction, the story is based on a true project --one that gives hope for community development. "Books and Bricks" depicts the power a group has when it organizes around a project and reclaims ownership of education for young and old. The results are stronger bonds, self-reliance, and upliftment.
anjana's review against another edition
4.0
https://superfluousreading.wordpress.com/2018/01/27/books-and-bricks-rebuilding-manyano-school-by-sindiwe-magona
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