41 pages • 1 hour read
Tracy KidderAmong School Children
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Among Schoolchildren by Tracy Kidder follows one academic year in a 5th-grade class at Kelly School in Holyoke, Massachusetts, focusing on teacher Chris Zajac's approach to education. The narrative provides a comprehensive view of the daily challenges and triumphs she faces, shaped significantly by her interactions with her students, school administration, and parents. Kidder integrates historical and cultural context, enriching the reader's understanding of American education. The book also explores socioeconomic disparities and behavioral issues among students. The book contains descriptions of violence and racism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tracy Kidder's Among School Children receives praise for its in-depth portrayal of a year in the life of a dedicated teacher at a diverse public school. Critics commend its empathetic storytelling and detailed observations. Some find its pace slow and the depth of educational policy critique lacking. Overall, it offers a heartfelt look at teaching challenges and triumphs.
Who Should Read Among School Children?
A reader who would enjoy Tracy Kidder’s Among School Children likely has an interest in education, classroom dynamics, and the challenges faced by teachers and students. This book appeals to those who appreciated Educated by Tara Westover or Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire by Rafe Esquith for their vivid insights into educational experiences and personal growth.