Crazy is Normal
Summary:
Readers who envision eager students lapping up learning led by a Tiger Teacher will be disappointed. Lofthouse presents us with grungy classrooms, kids who don’t want to be in school, and the consequences of growing up in a hardscrabble world. While some parents support his efforts, many sabotage them—and isolated administrators make the work of Lofthouse and his peers even more difficult. Throughout this journal, though, Lofthouse seems able to keep the hope alive that there’s a future for each student that doesn’t include jail—thanks in large part to his sixth period journalism class and its incredible editor, Amanda." – Bruce Reeves (Summary and book cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
This was a very interesting book that followed a week-to-week journal of retired schoolteacher Lloyd Lofthouse. I think this gave an extremely realistic view to the way classrooms function and, unfortunately, how often blame is put in the wrong places. Remember: this is from the perspective of someone not far removed from the school system and who had the advantage of a great school district. It’s a shame that more teachers can’t be like Mr. Lofthouse, but pressures by school districts often move them in different directions.
The main reason this book didn’t get 4 stars form me is because I believe this book could have explained more. It ended up as halfway between presenting only facts and halfway to an editorial. The effect was an overview of weekly events with some random commentary interspersed. I felt at times that the commentary to be only marginally relevant or slightly random.
I still think this was very insightful book that may be a rude awakening to some people. I’d highly recommend giving it shot before the next time school system policy revisions comes up.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Virtual Author Book Tours.
Rating: 3 stars!
Who should read it? People who would be interested in getting a REALISTIC view into schools.