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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.
emilkay's review against another edition
3.0
I had to read this for a class. It was interesting but I couldn't keep track for everyone's names and the fact that it was required made me like it less. It was very out dated in terms of it being so time period specific but not being something meant to take place in the past.
jessica_lam's review against another edition
4.0
For anyone who isn't great at reading non-fiction, this is the one for you. Personally, parts of the narrative that were too internal or sensory that made me skeptical of the author, but I can't deny that the stories of these kids and the administrators and teachers who do their best are moving. It's one of those books that make you simultaneously realize how good you have it and also motivate you to do some good in the world in return. Their journeys are incredible and you'll get sucked in for the ride. You'll celebrate their triumphs and it'll break your heart when you read lines like a kid writing "I fells like I am useless" when they describe the feeling of despair in disappointing his family.
irishfox75's review against another edition
5.0
Not an easy non-fiction read. I found the narrative a bit confusing at times although inspiring. It's a great companion piece for "Girl in Translation" and "A Step from Heaven". I found myself constantly reaching for the tissue box. These teachers and students are amazing....
kande0321's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book a lot. It tells the stories of several teens that come to America and go to high school. It tells about their backgrounds and how they came to America and the challenges they faced in their home countries and the challenges they face during high school and after graduation. It was a really interesting read!
sarahjsnider's review against another edition
3.0
Last year I volunteered at an international high school very much like this one. I thought that might help me enjoy it more, but maybe it wasn't as unique and fresh as it could have been because I already know students not so different from these.
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