Learning America: One Woman’s Fight for Educational Justice for Refugee Children

Mufleh, an award-winning educator, combines her unique personal story with the astonishing narrative of how she built a successful school network for refugees in the United States, first in Georgia, then in Ohio. Her vision was for a school that would support and engage traumatized refugees; ultimately, she also identified broader values missing from the U.S. education system. Faced with ongoing inequality and inadequate funding, too many schools in the United States fail to meet the needs of their students, the author shows. She argues that her students thrive in contrast, because her schools emphasize providing a safe space, recognizing cultural diversity, encouraging high standards, and focusing on community. Mufleh’s book works well as a vivid tale of the author’s personal growth—from coaching a diverse group of children and understanding their needs, to building the school that allows them to thrive.