Reviews

Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago's South Side by Eve L. Ewing

cafffine's review against another edition

4.5

Such a fantastic, personal, and engagingly narrative account of CPS racism. I so enjoyed the history of Bronzville that was woven in, and the effort of include personal testimony and public voices in the exact way that CPS failed. All Chicagoans need to hear this story. 

ellbell1017's review against another edition

5.0

I learned so much about Chicago & CPS - very eye-opening. I’m embarrassed I knew so little after many years living in/near Chicago. Really makes you think about how we’re measuring success in education.

sydneyqamar's review against another edition

5.0

This book sheds essential insight on other narratives surrounding school closings. It looks beyond the rhetoric focused on test scores to understand the community impact. This context is crucial to ponder how school change, closings and consolidation can happen while maintaining equity and justice. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for anyone involved in or interested in education policy.

betsytomszak's review

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

Really excellent reporting and description on the school closings in Chicago 

timwils24's review against another edition

slow-paced

1.25

ckavella's review against another edition

informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

This important work takes a personal look at school closures. Prior to reading this, I had not considered the deep, historical significance of individual schools and the devastating effect that closing a school can have on a community. The book was well-organized, included an abundance of evidence from various sources, and the conclusion is excellent! Because the book is split into four large sections, it was a little difficult for me to get through. It was also repetitive or contradictory in some spots. Other than that, it was a good read.

moshalala's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

2.0

alhetcher's review against another edition

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

A lot of history about a specific time in a specific neighborhood of Chicago packed into one book. Ewing used a variety of sources from community meetings to press releases to individual interviews to explore the cause and effect of these school closings. Very interesting read. 

mcf_reading_things's review against another edition

informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

ash10alli's review against another edition

5.0

This book gives a great look into school shutdowns and the racist ideas that go into this process.