Will My Name Be Shouted Out

Rating:
Summary: Why do critics keep calling this "passionate"?
Review: I was so excited to find this book in a used bookstore because I work with a similar demographic of students and wanted to hear about this teacher's experience. The students' writing in this story is powerful and important, but the author doesn't give us enough about their lives or his own. I was expecting this book to be for teaching and writing the equivalent of what FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS was for football--a VERY close, VERY personal account of how one activity changed people's lives. Not so. Don't expect to find out how any of the students ultimately turned out. The author admits at the beginning that he has no idea.

It's worth reading, but don't go into it thinking it's going to change your life.

Rating:
Summary: A must for theatre and creative writing teachers
Review: In this powerful and well-crafted book, O'Connor shares his experiences teaching creative writing and drama to students in an urban middle school. The story he relates is both cautionary and inspiring. A realistic and honest examination of the power of creative activities in academic development. Don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: Power of Writing Can Be a Life Changing Experience
Review: The Author describes his experience as a participant in the Teacher's and Writers Collaborative in New York City just more than a decade ago. As a new teacher among students who were less than appreciative of his love of literature, he inspires many to write and some to survive. The lives and experiences of several of his students are recounted as a part of their writing inspiration and frustration. Examples and accounts of student writing from students who were not interested in any part of school are included A heart wrenching account that would remind one of Savage Inequalities. This is a closer look at the condition of the students rather than the condition of the school facilities. The story is beautifully written with attention to detail of the student's lives and writing experiences. It gives hope to future teachers who will teach in tough schools. Inspiration for writing programs flows thought along with examples of how to deal with difficult situations in the classroom. Great for future Language Arts Teachers.