Customer Reviews: Read 26 more reviews...
 Book Purchase February 8, 2008
The book we ordered was in great shape and save us mega bucks. Thanks
Great Book on Teaching September 27, 2007
This book is written with passion. Its story is told not through the author, but through the anecdotes, vignettes, and interviews provided by his students. A reader can tell what an inspired and inspiring teacher Mr. Michie really is. I would recommend this book to any new teachers or anyone interested in the problems of social justice and education in the US.
Holler for Michie May 11, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Gregory Michie's series of vignettes weaves an interesting story of his life as a young, inexperienced teacher in a poor and violent public school system. Although the book's time line is scattered, the reader can easily get a feel for the struggles of both Michie and his students. Set in the 1990's in the "Back of the Yard" Mexican-American neighborhood in inner city Chicago, we are introduced briefly, yet intensely, to many of Michie's students who struggle to stay in school. The pages fly by because they are rich with dialogue and stories from Michie's colorful students. If you was looking for an insightful book with a passionate look into the mind of some diversely opinionated adolescents, this is a great book for you.
As a teacher, I found Michie's book inspiring. Although the time line, at points, is difficult to follow, I sincerely enjoyed the honest approach of the book. As a result of reading this text, I decided to spend more one on one time with some of my students. Michie, with the help if a reverend-like teacher, starts to look past the "gangster" in order to find the student inside. I thought that maybe I had been judging some of my most challenging students too quickly. Have I been subconsciously treating the students who I know to be involved in more trouble differently? Have I been ignoring kids because I think that "they don't care anyway"? I tried to put my feeling aside and at least talk to some of the students whom I found troublesome. Every day last week, I invited a new kid to eat lunch with me. Even if I could not be the extra-curricular, field trip-loving Michie, I could at least try something! With a few, I found immediate results. It seemed to me, that their classroom antics were a cry for my attention, and an individual conference was the perfect medicine. One child in particular, asked to have lunch with me again, and I complied. When he began misbehaving in class later on that afternoon, all it took was a sideways glance of disappointment, and he was back on track. This small simple strategy may seem obvious to many (and it was to me, I just never did it!), but it really worked. I do not think that I would have made an effort to spend quality time with my "problem" children if I had not read this book.
review March 3, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I read this for Education class and it was very interesting. Most books i read are very boring, this one i actually read the whole thing with no skimming. Based on a teachers' experience at a Chicago middle school.
Holla' back! November 2, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Greg Mitchie gives a very personal account about the compassion and hard work involved in teaching. There is a great balance between teacher and student reflections on school, in particular middle school, and life. It is a thoughtful and emotional insight into what being a teacher should be about - promoting student voice. Great read for anyone insterested in teaching at the secondary level, at the beginning of their teaching career or in an inner city.
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