77 pages • 2 hours read
The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
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Book Brief
The Freedom Writers Diary
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999
Super Short Summary
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writers is a nonfiction collection of diary entries from students at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, documenting their journey from freshman to senior year under the guidance of their English teacher, Erin Gruwell, who uses unconventional methods and relatable literature to inspire them towards tolerance and academic success. The book addresses topics such as racial caricatures, race-based gang violence, domestic violence, illness, drug and alcohol addiction, and homelessness.
Emotional
Inspirational
Challenging
Hopeful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
22,993 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writers has garnered praise for its powerful storytelling and authentic voices, inspiring readers with its themes of resilience and redemption. Critics highlight the book's raw emotional impact and educational value but note occasional repetitiveness and uneven pacing. Overall, it's a compelling, transformative read.
Who Should Read The Freedom Writers Diary?
A reader who would enjoy The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writers is often passionate about social justice, education, and personal transformation. They likely appreciate real-life, inspiring stories reminiscent of The Diary of Anne Frank or To Kill a Mockingbird, where courage and empathy are paramount.
22,993 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Students
The Students
Anonymous authors of diary entries that narrate their collective experiences, revealing their personal struggles and growth while maintaining individual anonymity to emphasize the shared nature of their journey.
Zlata Filipovic
Zlata Filipovic
A teenager from Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, whose published diary inspires the Freedom Writers as they draw parallels between their lives and her experiences surviving war.
John Tu
John Tu
A wealthy businessman who supports Ms. Gruwell's class by funding their field trips, donating computers, and providing part-time jobs, becoming an early and inspiring patron.
Miep Gies
Miep Gies
The woman who found Anne Frank's diary, visiting the Freedom Writers and encouraging them by recognizing their potential to be heroes in their own right.
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