The riveting, unforgettable true story of getting ten students at a Brooklyn public high school into and through college.
“We’ve written a lot . . . about efforts to increase the number of high-achieving low-income students at elite colleges. The true granularity of that work comes alive in Hold Fast to Dreams.”
—Motoko Rich, The New York Times
Excerpts and opinion pieces featured in
The Atlantic, City Limits, & Chalkbeat NY
Praise
“Better than a good novel. I couldn’t get Santiago’s dilemma out of my mind.
Deborah Meier
Founder of the Small Schools movement
“In the event [Michelle Obama] is not in the room to offer guidance to the staffers charged with putting the White House [higher education] directives into action, somebody should slip them a copy… of Hold Fast to Dreams.”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
“Essential reading for those who care about the lives of all children.”
Bob Herbert,
Former New York Times op-ed columnist
“A heartfelt analysis of the factors that make it difficult for so many urban youth to access the opportunities that college provides. A must-read.”
Pedro Noguera
Author of City Schools and the American Dream
“All in one, a great read, an educational manifesto, and a testament to the vibrant ability of kids who just need a chance to realize their dreams. This book should be on every policy maker’s desk.”
Mike Rose
Author of Why School?
“Invaluable both to educators who deal with children from similar backgrounds and to non-educators, who often don’t appreciate the overwhelming odds stacked against poor children.”
The Washington Monthly