Lessons from the Heartland: A Turbulent Half-Century of Public Education in an Iconic American City
"Intensively, extensively, and specifically about the politics of public education in one American city, the issues Miner raises are of great importance to all those concerned with how our society educates its children."—Publishers Weekly"In her inimitable style, Barbara Miner has written an explosive educational biography of her hometown. The story of Milwaukee is really the multi-layered tale of how America has long avoided committing to the education of low-income students of color. A must read for anyone seeking the real back story of our educational policy-making."—Lisa Delpit, bestselling author ofMultiplication Is for White People”andOther People’s Children"What a great read! Miner's story of Milwaukee is filled with memorable characters and powerful events that have national resonance. Through Milwaukee, she explores with consummate skill the dynamics of race, politics, and schools in our time."—Mike Rose, Professor of Social Research Methodology in the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, author ofBack to School,Why SchoolandThe Mind at Work"Lessons from the Heartlandis a social history with the pulse and pace of a carefully crafted novel and a Dickensian cast of unforgettable characters. With the eye of an ethnographer, the instincts of a beat reporter, and the heart of a devoted mother and citizen activist, Miner has created a compelling portrait of a city, a time, and a people on the edge. This is essential reading."—Bill Ayers, author ofTo Teach: The Journey in ComicsandTeaching Toward Freedom, co-editor ofCity Kids, City Schools“Miner eloquently captures the narratives of schoolchildren, parents, and teachers. . . . Readers in and around Wisconsin will especially find this title of interest, as will educators who wish to avoid Milwaukee’s pitfalls.”—Library Journal