Scan barcode
thebookishlibrarian's review
This book is the encouraging story of how Nadia Lopez, a life long educator, opened and became the principal of her own Brooklyn school. She was inspired by her students to create the school, and suddenly found herself in the national spotlight while she met with President Obama and the beneficiary behind a campaign to fund the school. All it took was one post on the popular site Humans of New York for her to get noticed. This book is the story of how Mott Hall Bridges Academy came to be.
thehancam's review
5.0
For anyone who loves education, HONY, and inspirational stories, this is the book to read.
juli_mod's review
5.0
I found this book inspiring, heartwarming and empowering. Every teacher with an identity crisis should read this and remind oneself that we do he’ll of an important job!!! I will return to bridge to brilliance many times in my life i think.
vegprincess's review
4.0
4.5 stars. This is a good book, with just a few "slow" spots. Even though I'm not a teacher, I'm obsessed with books about education. I graduated from college long ago and I miss it. I'm always tempted to go back to school to get my teaching certificate, and this book made those feelings stronger. Ms. Lopez is an inspiration. The book made me think about and feel for all the kids who live in and attend school in underserved communities. It's easy to get lost in your own privilege and forget about those who can be killed just by going to a library that's not in their own "territory." My son attends a high school where every student is given a laptop while, just a few miles away, kids are going to schools that don't have enough books. My son and his friends can hop on their bikes and ride to a Chinese restaurant and sit down and eat a nice meal, while, just a few miles away, there are kids who can't even walk home without the fear of being shot. This book is a wake up call, both heartbreaking and hopeful. The kids who attend Mott Hall live in poverty and struggle every single day but, at the same time, they are blessed to have a principal who cares about them deeply and will do anything to make sure they succeed. Every school needs a Ms. Lopez.
cosmith2015's review
5.0
The smallest action can change a life. I already knew about Ms. Lopez from HONY back in 2015. I knew she had put in years of hard work and she was at her breaking point. I knew she had change hundreds of lives for the better.
What I didn't know were the stories of Jessica. Of Malik. Of Antonne. Of taking the kids on a walk through Vassar profoundly effected them. How some of the children can't even go to the library for fear of getting shot.
Needless to say, if you are feeling sorry for yourself about school, are looking for some inspiration, or want to know how you can Help the world? This is a damn good place to start.
My only issue with the book was how it was written. I felt like it could have been organized better, but it didn't deter me from devouring this book.
What I didn't know were the stories of Jessica. Of Malik. Of Antonne. Of taking the kids on a walk through Vassar profoundly effected them. How some of the children can't even go to the library for fear of getting shot.
Needless to say, if you are feeling sorry for yourself about school, are looking for some inspiration, or want to know how you can Help the world? This is a damn good place to start.
My only issue with the book was how it was written. I felt like it could have been organized better, but it didn't deter me from devouring this book.
thestoryowl's review
4.0
I really appreciated this honest look at what it took for Ms. Lopez to invest herself in her community. I've found a lot of books illicit a "yeah sure, in a perfect world" from me, but this one seemed more legit. I felt more inspired that jaded about the ideas and method.
A free copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
A free copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
leafthroughmypages's review
5.0
Amazing insight on how we address education in challenging and disadvantaged areas. No, money doesn't solve everything, but it sure as hell helps gets these kids the opportunity the deserve. So many good wishes to Ms. Lopez, her staff, her scholars, and their parents. This woman has saved lives and is reaching out to us as a nation to do right by these children and help to end our devastating poverty problem.
amyreadsbooks917's review
5.0
I am so inspired by Ms. Lopez's passion and dedication. I can't say that I would be able to do the same things she has done, but the payoff and reward of seeing so many lives changed must be so incredible. I can only hope to be sparked by her drive and work toward a similar legacy.
I received a copy of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I received a copy of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.