d shocked to learn about the conditions of these poor schools. Growing up in an affluent suburb and attending private schools, I took my education for granted. While reading the book my reaction changed to anger. I cannot believe that in this day and age, children have to attend schools in these conditions. It disgusts me to imagine schools with toxic fumes, and holes in the ceilings, when we complain about unimportant things like a bookstore not being large enough. It does seem unfair to these children tat they have to receive such an unequal education when only a few minutes away children are receiving so much more.Shock and anger turned to sadness. While reading the accounts told by the children, I often had tears in my eyes. These children know that they are not receiving an equal education, and many end up feeling like they do not deserve one. These children have dreams and aspirations that most will never achieve due to the lack of opportunities made available to them. The part of the book that shocked me the most was when Kozol reported on the schools in Camden, New Jersey. Camden is so close to my home and my schools, that it is almost unbelievable that the conditions could be so horrid. Of course you would come to expect these inequalities in New York or Chicago, but never this close to home. After finishing this book, the ways in which I view education has changed. I hope now that I can become more involved politically, to advocate for these types of schools. Conditions in these schools have to change, and the public needs to become more aware of the situation. Many problems were discussed throughout this book that caught my attention. Education in the inner cities seemed to be one of the worst problems in our public schools. Education in the inner cities needs money, support, dedication of administrators and faculty, and family involvement. A key consideration in rebuilding our schools is linking the scho...
