Through Ebony Eyes : What Teachers Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask About African American Students

Rating:
Summary: Great Minds
Review: One of the most candid and heartwarming books on education, this book neither minces words nor fails to use them effectively. The personal narratives give it a highly approachable feeling, making for an easy read on a difficult subject. I recommend this book for educators and non-educators, for anyone who cares about our children and their well-being.

Rating:
Summary: Walk a Mile in My Shoes
Review: Through Ebony Eyes tackles a difficult subject with grace and truth. The author, a Black woman, has been a student, a classroom teacher, a college professor, and a teacher of teachers. She knows her subject intimately. As an educator, my goal is to teach all students to the best of my ability. Before I read this book, I would have said that I was a color-blind teacher, looking at all students the same. I had to come to grips with my own cultural identity and biases. Ms. Thompson doesn't condemn or belittle but believes that all teachers desire their students to learn and excel. This is a sociological study complete with research data, charts and graphs and case studies but is not intimidating to read. At the end she includes a program for educators to pursue to improve their teaching of children of color, and a list of books to read and reflect on. I want to empasize that this book is not a "preachy" book, but one I found revealing and extremely readable. I would recommend this book highly to anyone in the field of education, anyone thinking of becoming an educator, and to parents.