The Freedom Writers Diary is a compilation of diary entries of at risk high school teens. Their teacher, Erin Gruwell was a first year teacher in this innercity high school. After observing an incident of bigotry, she had them read The Diary of Anne Frank aloud in class. Then she had each keep a daily journal of their lives. The compilation of their diary entries make up this inspiring book. Their language is rough, some of the entries are boring (petty high school some would say), some of their entries are mundane, day to day stuff, and some of the entries will make you cry. Put together into this story their entries are brave, ispiring, and just plain awesome. It is ironic that the Diary of Anne Frank is what inspired them, just as their diary will surely inspire others.
The Freedom Writers Diary is not about the teacher, Erin Gruwell and her teaching techniques, although I applaud her. This story is about 150 inner-city, at risk kids who, when given a real opportunity, found the power within themselves to break free from a world that otherwise would have swallowed them. Erin Gruwell gave them a gift that will help these kids change the world. 5 stars.
Absolutely LOVE this book Norm! One of my favorites...and I love the movie, too!
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