Death at an Early Age: The Destruction of the Hearts and Minds of Negro Children in the Boston Public Schools

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Summary: Well written and is very relevant today
Review: I started reading this book with little interest. However, I found interest in the book and it is one that should be read. There is no doubt that we often had two groups of individuals in this society. However, many assumed that it was just in the south. However, this is not the south. However, even today we do not keep up our school buildings. The issue today is not necessarily desegragation but one of making sure that our school buildings will last into the next century and that we can educate future generations. Therefore, reading this book is very relevant today when we have disregarded some of our school buildings and do not care what condition a child is educated in.

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Summary: more honest than the rest
Review: i've read a lot of kozol over the years - often he strikes me as too popularized, forsaking an unbiast view in order to pull the wool off the eyes of the public. however, kozol hits the nail on the head with this one. his portrayal of inner city schools in boston is heartfelt and nicely supported with information concerning the civil rights movement. if you're planning on reading kozol, read this one or his latest. if you're interested in the roots of the move to fix urban schools, this is the begining of a long list of books about the subject - and it depicts the need for change in a catchy, gut wrenching way.

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Summary: A Book to Expose Injustice and Incite Social Action
Review: Jonathan Kozol cleaverly exposes the horrors of the Boston Public School system with various accounts from co-workers, public school administrators, and students. Kozol's powerful expose on the blatant racism and socio-economic discrimination helped to bring attention to the effects of segregtion in schools. It also helped to convince public schools to intergrate their institutions so a great education can be provided to all children, regardless of race or ability. Unfortunately the problems dealt with in this book are still an issue and are far from being solved. But the words in this book are powerful enough to incite other individuals like ourselves to become involved in this issue and take action. Highly Recommended

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Summary: An Emotional Account of Boston's Wretched Black Schools
Review: Jonathan Kozol's Death At An Early Age reveals the numerous failings of a poor segregated Boston school in the 1960s. Overcrowding, poor facilities, bigotry, and blatant insensitivity destroyed the learning and emotional environment for the school's young black children. Kozol's account explains the school's troubles, and it's devastating effects, with intelligence and sensitivity. However his wordy writing style and penchant for over-dramatictization dilutes the power of his story. A better writer could have taken Kozol's account and made it into a much more compelling story. I had to read this book in college, and if I used the passive voice as much as Kozol did my GPA would have been much lower.

Rating:
Summary: An Emotional Account of Boston's Wretched Black Schools
Review: Jonathan Kozol's Death At An Early Age reveals the numerous failings of a poor segregated Boston school in the 1960s. Overcrowding, poor facilities, bigotry, and blatant insensitivity destroyed the learning and emotional environment for the school's young black children. Kozol's account explains the school's troubles, and it's devastating effects, with intelligence and sensitivity. However his wordy writing style and penchant for over-dramatictization dilutes the power of his story. A better writer could have taken Kozol's account and made it into a much more compelling story. I had to read this book in college, and if I used the passive voice as much as Kozol did my GPA would have been much lower.

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Summary: Excellent Account of Inequalities
Review: This book, i havent read it all, i just started today, made me sick when i read the first couple of chapters. I knew that there were things that were horrific in the public school system. this was a good account of the racism and unequalness in the system. i admire kozol as he is an activist in this part of politics. read this book and his other savage inequalities, both are heartwreching but truthfull.

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Summary: powerful statement about education
Review: This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in education, children, learning, or human rights issues. Kozol describes the horrible treatement of mostly black children in the 1960's Boston public schools. This book is by no means outdated, as I believe that schools continue to reinforce gender and racial stereotypes and squelch a child's natural love for learning.

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Summary: Kozol's Classic Tale
Review: You may have heard of Kozol's other books, like "Savage Inequalities" and "Amazing Grace." If not, GO READ THEM NOW!! Anyway, this is Kozol's fist big book, the one that launched into fame and the life-long career of Social Justice Avenger. If you want to understand more about racism, Kozol's life, and how he got into the business of saving the world, this is your book. It's also a great read! You don't have to be a teacher to enjoy this, but if you are it should be required reading. Two thumbs up.