Writing can change you, because you start to think - trying is believing, 30. April 2007

I had to have the book (and now I will go for Erins bio as well) after seeing the movie and was so amazed at how well Hilary Swank caught the delightful, stubborn naivite of Ms. Gruwell. She really is like that! I guessed that the movie was just the tip of the iceberg in violence and abuse stories and I guess what we get in the book is the middle of the iceberg and I am grateful for it.
I have experienced the healing and creative power of writing a journal and how it affected my overall performance, having encountered an exceptional teacher myself (I am a little white girl, taught by a US Latina and so it goes), so I was not too surprised by the effect.
I just could not have imagined that it would reach a group of children so young, so large and so brainwashed into a set pattern of violence, drugs and abuse.
Hurrah for the Freedom Writers and now I order the Bio and check out their web page, where we can see how the seed they have sown is flourishing!

       Everyone should read this book!, 13. Juni 2000

I read this book after seeing Erin Gruwell and some of her students CSPAN2 (BookTV). I was really looking forward to it, after hearing what Erin Gruwell and the youth had to say. The book was inspiring, uplifting, moving, and educational. The book far exceeded any expectations I had.

       Enlightenment, 13. Juni 2000

As a prospective teacher, I personally found this book to be enlightening. When I began reading the poignant accounts of the social issues adolescents are dealing with today I felt so ignorant. I even questioned my ability to be an effective teacher. However, by the end of the book I felt motivated and inspired by the metamorphosis of a first-year teacher, and her labled and stereotyped students. As a result of reading this book I feel I am more aware of the importance of recognizing the assets each and every student brings to the classroom, and how important it is to encourage students to strengthen these assets through meaningful interactions. This book is a perfect example of what happens when teachers see nothing less than the potential for their students to accomplish great things. I recommend this book to prospective teachers, current teachers and students.

       Important reading, 6. Mai 2000

The Freedom writers give you a window into what it is like to live in gangland. We feel hopeful that these kids have made a great step towards breaking the cycle of violence and despair. The theme of the book is tolerance and it is very well put forth here. Recommended reading

       Number 2 is a snob!, 22. April 2000

I beg of you. Please do not tolerate the opinions of the arrogant. Judgments come easily from those who have not witnessed the agony of the streets. The importance of this book is not to portray correct grammar and usage. It is to congratulate and notice the efforts of a single teacher in the warzone of education today. It is to cheer those who have lifted themselves from the turmoil of the alleys. If one is looking for a "proper" essay, one should read a dry piece from critic number 2. If one wants to share in the passionate experiences of someone else, read this book!