Mayer, Janet Grossbach

Mayer often addresses readers directly (e.g., "Nothing is exaggerated—every teacher can corroborate what I am about to tell you—so be prepared! Come—walk with me") and repetitively ends each chapter calling her student "a fighter—a winner—and my hero." Her effort to profile exceptional students within devastating socioeconomic conditions is important, but readers who work with youth have experienced more moving portraits. Recommended only for aspiring educators.