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Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation
Amazing Grace The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation
Author: Jonathan Kozol
The children in this book defy the stereotypes of urban youth too frequently presented by the media. Tender, generous and often religiously devout, they speak with eloquence and honesty about the poverty and racial isolation that have wounded but not hardened them. — The book does not romanticize or soften the effects of violence and sickness. On...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780060976972
ISBN-10: 0060976977
Publication Date: 11/6/1996
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 46

3.9 stars, based on 46 ratings
Publisher: Perennial
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation on
Helpful Score: 3
I ordered this book because I'm a social worker in the South Bronx; on any given day I'm likely to pass by a location Kozol describes, and i wouldn't be surprised if I've met people he interviewed. The book has its very good points; it does capture some of the gritty reality that I see every day, that many people who read it will probably find unbelievable. FWIW, things are better her now in some respects. I do not meet people who have stories to tell about seeing people killed as a commonplace act, and my program, which includes drug testing, mostly finds marijuana. The streets are not littered with crack vials and needles any more. So some of the extreme elements are a bit dated. More importantly, when the author tries to move beyond reportage into social analysis, he seems a bit out of his league. He reports ridiculous conspiracy theories advanced by clients without comment; he can't seem to get beyond sympathizing with his subjects and the simplistic assertion that a compassionate society would meet all their needs. True enough but not the totality of what causes the situation. and not a useful truth, because society is not likely to adopt a more compassionate stance, so the book leaves one feeling rather more empty and hopeless than the actual situation deserves.
reviewed Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. It's great for anyone that wants to learn about how different people live in the US.
reviewed Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Disturbing and moving. Toni Morrison said of this book: "good in the old-fashioned sense: beautiful and morally worthy..."
reviewed Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of the most poignant books I have read about the plight of our nation's poorest children.
reviewed Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is an outstanding book, that even though 15 years old, still speaks powerfully about the state of poverty in the most prosperous nation on earth, and it is set in New York City. The stories are profound, moving, and, surprisingly, full of hope, in a sea of despair and gloom.

Highly recommended, especially if you teach social studies or social justice classes.
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reviewed Amazing Grace : The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation on + 65 more book reviews
Older book but still relavant.


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