Adequate Yearly Progress

by Roxanna Elden

Each new school year brings familiar challenges to Brae Hill Valley, a struggling high school in one the biggest cities in Texas. But the teachers also face plenty of personal challenges and this year, they may finally spill over into the classroom.

English teacher Lena Wright, a spoken-word poet, can never seem to truly connect with her students. Hernan D. Hernandez is confident in front of his biology classes, but tongue-tied around the woman he most wants to impress. Down the hall, math teacher Maybelline Galang focuses on the numbers as she struggles to parent her daughter, while Coach Ray hustles his troubled football team toward another winning season. Recording it all is idealistic second-year history teacher Kaytee Mahoney, whose anonymous blog gains new readers by the day as it drifts ever further from her in-class reality. And this year, a new superintendent is determined to leave his own mark on the school—even if that means shutting the whole place down.

Genres: Fiction, Education, Humor, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Teaching, Adult

400 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2020

About the author

Author and course creator who helps teachers maintain, stay sane, and up their game. Learn more and get a free Classroom Management Troubleshooting Guide at: www.roxannaelden.com

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a teacher in a public school and have been for the past sixteen years. It is like someone sat in my school, every day, for all these years, and then wrote a documentary.

And this is fiction.

I can’t rave about this book enough. I loved it. I hated it. I laughed out loud and quoted passages to other teacher friends and teared up at passages detailing the struggles of students.

Every teacher should read this. Everyone curious about the struggles of teaching in public school should read this.

Adequate Yearly Progress is set in a public school dealing with the myriad problems they face. It is written with rotating perspectives by chapter so you get to see things through the eyes of several teachers and administrators. And it treats all the players with respect while still showing the darkly humorous idiocy of many decisions. It shows admin struggling under missives of a board office and their series of initiatives that make little sense and shows how teachers try to follow all the rules while still actually educating. It shows new hopeful teachers struggling with the cynicism of some colleagues as well as helping students with family issues.

It shows everyone preparing for an outside audit and the fear that creates (while still trying to actually educate students). We see the struggle of maintaining a personal life and balancing work, worry about others, and the vying for funds with charter schools.

In short, it is the teaching experience. While it’s fiction it is also, quite literally, the most accurate portrayal of teaching I have ever read.

[Theresa Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the tone of this book is light, what these Texas high school teachers are put through is decidedly bleak. I have empathy for teachers in real life and had a lot of empathy for these fictional characters. They’re being put through the ringer by a business man/minor celebrity Nick Wallabee who is trying to turn teaching into a business through charter schools (who don’t have to follow the standards of public schools and can essentially function as a way for con artists to make money). Also, Wallabee and his cronies try to make money by encouraging kids to get their education online, which costs almost nothing for providers—and, as usual, you get what you pay for.

I loved this cast of characters: Lena, an English teacher by day and a spoken word poet by night. Hernan, the biology teacher who can’t seem to get his friendship with Lena to turn into something more. Kaytee, a white Teach Corps teacher who is forever challenging her vocabulary and thoughts to ensure she’s not stereotyping her predominately black and brown students. Coach Ray, who didn’t make it to the NFL but did make it out of Huntsville, where nearly everyone works for one of the nine prisons there.

This book won't help districts recruit new teachers, but it's entertaining and well done.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 11, 2020.

[Lindsay Bolender · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting, per the description, a juicy, immersive book about the dynamics of a team of teachers working against limitations to change the world. I was even prepared for it to be a fairly light read focused more on the entertainment value of students vs. students, students vs. teachers, teachers vs. principals, etc. Instead, this book tries for dynamics but reads like someone conducted one singular interview with one teacher (who possibly misunderstood a lot of things about teaching and spent too much time gossiping in the teacher’s lounge) and then wrote a book about it.

The author struggles to create any underlying concepts, themes, voices, or meaning, and instead lazily blurts things out in abrupt and isolated sentences (For example, when introducing characters, the author writes “Breyonna only stopped if she had something to brag about,” or “As a spoken-word poet, she hated the feeling of wasted words” rather than tying those traits into dialogue and descriptions). PS, does there have to be a spoken-word poet in every teacher book, as a rule?

In the author’s writing there is also a definitive, privileged and under-educated tone that suggests that this (white) author should have never tried to write from the perspective of other cultures. I was cringing at times at the overly stereotypical scenes that were obviously included in this book to overtly wave diversity around like a victory flag - “See? Diversity is here. I wrote this book correctly. I win!” In hindsight, the character names in the description should have been a clue.

While most books with sub-par writing can be redeemed with an engaging storyline, in this book the otherwise forgivably-average storyline wasn’t enough. I think because in every book about teachers is an opportunity to teach the reader about the realities of our education system, the challenges teachers endure, and the sacrifices they make personally.

This book squanders it, making teachers seem whiny, conflicted, judgmental, and hyper-focused on their own personal drama. What’s missing from this book is the incredible unity that persists in teams of teachers from all backgrounds, demographics, and ideologies, even amongst conflict, and the universal truths that allow the unity to exist. Very disappointing from an author well-qualified to have gained those insights and the ability to speak to them.

[MaryBeth's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a teacher, you will love this book. Or it will make you cry. I'm not sure, because it was so on target about where we are with education and what teachers go through it was so scary, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Brae Hill Valley High School is a struggling inner city school in Texas. This story is told from the perspective of the teachers, at the front lines of education, as they attempt to navigate through every new initiative, every new mandate, every new test that is thrown at them by a company that is in the business of improving education (I literally snorted writing that because it's so true and so stupid).

This could only be written by a fellow teacher. Although a work of complete fiction, it's all completely 100% true. The pressure, the constant changes in teaching (literally day to day), the mandates from above (people with no experience in the classroom), the trauma students deal with that teachers have to address before they can even attempt to teach a kid....it's all true.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Adequate Yearly Progress, teachers at Brae Hill High School deal with the changes that come with a new superintendent and a new school year.
▪️
As a teacher, I don’t think I’ve ever read a more realistic portrayal of teaching. The teachers created by Roxanna Elden are teachers represented in every public school.
I was hooked from the start but was hoping for a little more in the ending. Overall a great read before heading back to the classroom.
▪️
Thank you NetGalley and Rivet Street Books for this ARC!
Adequate Yearly Progress will be released August 1st, just in time for a new school year.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked in public education for twelve years and during that time I had a close friend who was a counselor in our Guidance Office. We would have lunch together every day and talk about how we needed to write a book about public education because people would never believe the things we have to go through on a daily basis.

In fact we stated keeping a list of things that would happen in our office each year and at the end of the school year we would go back and reflect on the year of weird things we had to deal with. The list was long every single year and the incidents increasingly humorous and at the same time sad.

When I saw this book was coming out and was written by a former educator, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

When I was first pitched this book, I actually thought it was going to be non-fiction but then it actually ended up being fiction, although the accuracy of the story was spot on. I have witnessed so much of the things that went on in this book from one degree or another. I mean, there was just so much realness in this book when it came to the characters, the issues of standardized testing, the pressures from administration….so much realness that I was having a hard time believing that it was a work of fiction. Because seriously people if you don’t work in education, you would think this is fabricated, but if you work in education you know it absolutely is NOT a fabrication that educators face.

I will say that some of the writing in this book was a little trite with underdeveloped dialogue, as a whole I was captivated by the truth of the classroom and education system as a whole. I know that some people have argued that this book attempts to make light of the state of our schools and the issues, and while yes the book is humorous at times, I do not think it’s meant to make light of the issues at all. Having worked in education myself, you almost have to laugh at how ridiculous the situation is otherwise you just get burned out.

To be honest, burn out was one of the reasons I left public education when I had my son. I love the students but the expectations and undermining of the ‘rules’ to achieve graduation quotas or state testing requirements goes against my personal moral code. This book captured all those issues and so much more. If you are a teacher or educator you absolutely need to read this book. While it is fiction, there can be no denying there is truth in its fundamental message.

See my full review here

[Lisa Leone-campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adequate Yearly Progress is an extraordinary look into a year in the lives of teachers and administrators at a high school in Texas. It shows the pressures which are put on teachers having their students score high enough on the yearly standardized test and the complications this pressure puts on them, administrators whose livelihood depends on high scores and the students.

Although filled with humor, the book explores the teacher's perspectives, both good and bad, in their classes, their relationships with other teachers as well as their relationships with their students and the administration.
At Brae Hill Valley High School a new curriculum is introduced on the first day of classes to hopefully increase standardized test scores at the end of the year. Not many of the teachers are happy about the changes.

Lena Wright is an English teacher with a flair for poetry. Because she is not from Brae Hill she is looked down upon by some of the faculty and the students. She will face many challenges this year, both personal and professional.

Hernan Hernandez is a biology teacher whose students love him. His classroom, a welcoming zone to both students and teachers has a classroom filled with plants. Bucking the system Hernan has never joined the teacher's union. Sees no reason to. And he has a crush on Lena.

Maybelline Galang is a math teacher, a single parent whose daughter (with the physical education teacher) illegally goes to school in another school district. Everything in Maybelline's life is organized and by the book. There is no coloring outside the lines. She cannot tolerate either the teachers or administrators who slack off. And because of her, someone will not be coming back the following year.

Kaytee Mahoney is a history teacher with a secret blog. At the beginning of the year the blog is filled with inspiring dialogue. Until she is involved in an incident which will not only shake her to her core, but will make her question whether she is even in the right profession.

The story puts into perspective the dilemma teachers and administrators have as to teaching to pass a test versus teaching to learn. It shows the trials and tribulations of dealing with difficult children as well as what this type of pressure can do to their personal lives.

Thank you #NetGalley #AtriaBooks #AdequateYearlyProgress #RoxannaElden for the advanced copy.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! I wasn’t a fan of high school, couldn’t wait until it was over and after reading ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS by Roxanna Elden, I guess high school life is still very stressful. Roxanna will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! What an awesome story. All of Roxanna’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.



Teachers at Brae Hill High School have to deal with the changes that come with a new superintendent and a new school year in ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS. The story is so fast paced that I found myself having read one hundred pages in no time at all. The story is told through alternating views of several different teachers in the same high school district. The teachers’ professional and personal lives allows the reader to really see them in different situations. This book is advertised as “The Office meets teaching” and they aren’t kidding when they say that!



ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS is without a doubt one of my top funniest books I’ve read in 2020 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. No matter how much money is offered, I don’t think I could ever handle the stress of being a teacher. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS is a must read for teachers or people who need a perspective on teachers lives.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Diane Yannick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was like an 8th grade grammar lesson that went off the rails.
Some of the initiatives started by the new superintendent are funny—until they aren’t. Satire would have worked but layers were added until it became weighted and absurd. A few acronyms are funny but a boatload are boring. The teachers were all stereotypes. We had Hernan, the socially awkward science teacher and Maybelline, the suck up who is loved by the administrators. We have the football coach who has a child with another teacher. Of course he is sports obsessed and too busy to be a father until he suddenly sees the light. Lena is the cool one who is also a spoken poet at night. She hooks up with a bad boy to add a bit of sex. Then she realizes what a stand up guy Hernan is. Ridiculous!

I was a teacher for 35 years and believe me there is much to make fun of in our educational system. This book missed the mark by a mile. Yet, somewhere inside the clutter is a good story. There are teachers and initiatives lurking in the periphery that could have given us a good laugh, yet left us with something to ponder.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adequate Yearly Progress

There were times when I taught when I was certain no one else knew what I was going through. It is strange that in a profession where you are surrounded by other humans all day long, that I could feel so lonely and isolated. Roxanna Elden gets it. Maybe because she taught for eleven years. That perspective I only get when talking to other teachers, I got here in this book as well.

The essential loneliness of the job came through to me. So many characters going through individual crises all by themselves, even when surrounded by colleagues. Lena Wright, the African American, spoken word artist, English teacher who wants so desperately for her students to see the power of language, touched me. Kaytee Mahoney, the young, overly-idealistic TeachCorps teacher, caught between the perfection of her goals and the reality of her students, embodies many young teachers I knew. Hernan D. Hernandez, the laid back science teacher, who was always tongue tied in Lena’s presence, was the teacher who pretty much ignored the testing insanity and really taught his students. Even characters that in other hands could be seen merely as antagonistic were given depth. The assistant principals were pretty much cut outs, but I have worked with so many who fit the two in this book to a T to feel disgruntled there.

Told with wit and understanding, rotating to a different teacher in each chapter, this is the story of a school in Texas that has a new superintendent, a man who has never taught but has written a best seller about how to fix education, who turns their school on its ear. Insane initiative after initiative being forced down the teachers’ throats—I thought that the continually increasing number of things they were required to write out on their boards throughout the book was a terrific metaphor for all the foolishness teachers are saddled with.

It was a story about people. Each in their own way a dedicated teacher. Each in their own way trying to survive another year in the classroom. Each in their own way reminding me of so many I have taught with.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who teaches, especially middle and high school. It was funny and sad at the same time. I think you’ll like it.

I received a free electronic ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Check out all my reviews at https://mrbsbookshelf.blogspot.com

[Destini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to believe this book is fiction, because I’ve lived through MANY of these chapters, including the starfish presentation. 😂


If you have endured any of the following situations, you should read this book:

*You are an educator who has felt the intense pressure that standardized tests bring.

*You are an educator who has had to take directives from “professionals” who actually don’t have a clue what they are doing.

*You are questioning whether or not you should stay in education.

*You find yourself on the verge of tears multiple times a week at school and want a book that makes you laugh out loud instead of cry.

*You need to commiserate with other educators, even if they are fictional.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's really hard to give this book only three stars. I read it on the heels of finding out that, as a librarian who TEACHES CLASSES, I'm not eligible for performance bonuses by our school district. It's a tough blow and a lot of money I won't see. No matter how long I'm in the library, I was a classroom teacher long enough to never NOT feel like one. I was a highly effective teacher every single year, but suddenly, as a librarian, I'm nothing to my district administration. And even though that's not Roxanna Elden's, nor her beautiful book's, fault, it affects my feelings and review on this book.
This book is witty and clever. It has descriptive, interesting prose. It has twists you might not see coming. The only thing is...it's accurate. Too accurate to be enjoyable reading for me. Educators today face unbelievable obstacles. We are asked to climb mountains without any provisions or supplies. We are asked to finish every race in first place without funding and support to maintain our race cars. We take, on our shoulders, the responsibility of the whole child, often providing what is lacking at home. And that is more than work. And often, more than one mama, teacher, person can handle. This book highlights all that and tries to add levity and humor to lighten that load. And it succeeds! I just can't laugh. I can't relax into it and enjoy it. It's too real and too sad. It's too much reality.
But this is a creative book. Major kudos to Roxanna Elden for being able to expertly write lightheartedness and amusement into the dire situation of today's public education. Many will be able to do what I can't and will really enjoy this book.

[Janet | purrfectpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might not be as well received amongst non educators. However, as a teacher in a district very similar to the one depicted in this book, I have to say I totally related. I found myself laughing at its sad, yet realistic absurdity. It meanders a bit towards the end, but never lost me. I’ve always said there should be more fiction novels written about the world of education. I’d recommend all educators give this one a chance.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn’t want this book to end. The characters were relatable enough that when I got to the last page I felt I would miss them. This is a must-read for any public school teacher, or for anyone who would like a glimpse into the life of an urban public school teacher.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adequate Yearly Progress by Roxanna Elden

This book is fun read about a group of Texas High School teachers and their daily struggles to survive yet another school year. To get the inside look, I knew that this book had to be written by none other than an educator as well. Though this is a fiction read, the message is clear, timely and relevant. There is a current battle between the public education system and the charter school system and what is the best education format for our children. This is a well researched novel and loved the writing style as well as the motley crew of characters in this novel. I really enjoyed it for the light fun read, the relevancy of the issues presented and overall an entertaining read.

[Cassie | Cassie’s Next Chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Book Review

What a smart, witty, and fun book! A tongue-in-cheek look at the shortcomings of school systems - especially when they're managed from the outside.

Although I'm not a teacher, I have plenty of family and friends who have had some strong words about the school system. Too many hoops to jump through, the hurdles to actually teaching the material when they're bogged down with test-prep, the likelihood of burnout, the range of attitudes and capabilities of the teaching staff, and the abundance of frustrations with students and fellow staff. Adequate Yearly Progress addresses all these topics brilliantly, and with a healthy dose of snark.

I enjoy the wide range of characters - their approaches to teaching as well as life, what motivates them, and the bonds they form (or don't). The way Elden wraps up each storyline feels just right and balanced. Nothing too drastic, but not everything perfect in the end...just like life.

Overall, this is a fantastic satirical look at the nuances of a public school through the eyes of its teachers. It portrays the dichotomy of teaching perfectly: the moments of pride when you know you've made a difference in a student's life...that end up getting squashed by the things that completely suck the joy out of teaching.

Thank you to Atria Books for a complimentary copy of this advanced reader’s edition in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Gary Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Roxanna Elden’s Adequate Yearly Progress, the teachers, students, and administrators of Brae Hill Valley High School flail their way through another school year beleaguered by a new superintendent famous for his headline-grabbing books and his consultant minion who shows up at all the worst times in classrooms, locker rooms, and the teacher’s lounge. The heroes of this book are the educators who rebel against this year’s new instructional paradigms and the students trying to gain an education in a system that never quite gets around to delivering it. Adequate Yearly Progress is a funny, satirical novel skewering many of the things that annoy common-sense-based teachers: one-size-fits-all professional development packages, edu-celebs with all the answers, meaningless directives, time-consuming paperwork, and clever-sounding acronyms that don’t really teach or accomplish anything. The plot wears a little thin toward the end, but the plot is not the point here. (I received this book as a going-away gift from the English Department I worked with first semester, and I think it’s a compliment that they knew I would relate to its humor.)

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever wanted a glimpse into the daily life of a teacher, then Adequate Yearly Progress by Roxanna Elden is the book for you! For the teachers at Brae Hill Valley, a struggling Texas high school, this year promises to be their most challenging yet. With a new superintendent intent on implementing big changes and new expectations in the district, the pressure builds to not only outperform other schools, but to outshine each other.

Oh my goodness, this book was beyond relatable to me. Is it a little over the top? Of course...but that’s what made it even funnier. All the ridiculous acronyms, multiple daily posted objectives, and after school meetings had me simultaneously rolling my eyes and giggling. This was definitely a fun read and I can’t wait to share it with all of my teacher friends! Get your copy today!!

[ElizaBeth Comencant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy CRAP was this ever written by a teacher! I was alternately laughing out loud and banging my head against a metaphorical desk. The teacher's experience is SO frustrating, and rewarding, and this book NAILS it. Only a true veteran could have written such a story - I hope more do so, I was really entertained by the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, breezy summer read for educators and everyone, with just enough righteous social commentary to give it some heft. Fans of Abbott Elementary will love.

[Dot · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re an educator now or were within the last 15 years or so, you’re most definitely familiar with these letters...AYP... Adequate Yearly Progress, and if you’re familiar with that terminology, I have NO doubt you’ll be equally familiar with every aspect of this book by the same name...the people….the plot line… the personalities....the politics...it’s all in there!

While Adequate Yearly Progress by Roxanna Elden is a piece of fictional writing, educators across this nation will immediately get the sense that Ms. Elden had some hidden cameras in every room of their own school buildings while writing this book! As an educator working in the same public school system for over 28 years now, I’ve either worked with every fictional educator (teachers AND administrators) in this book OR I’ve been some of them myself! In addition, I LOVE how Ms. Elden (a veteran teacher herself) throws some serious shade on the ever-changing “learning initiatives” educators have to deal with based on what’s popular at any given moment. She is SO on point with every piece of this writing!

I enjoyed this book very much. I found the story to be hilarious in some parts, while very deep and thought-provoking in others parts. I read somewhere that some school systems actually use this book as a “staff book study,” and I can certainly see how it would make for some very open and honest dialogue from everyone involved! Whether it’s required reading or not, every educator should read this book. In addition, if you’re not an educator but curious about the nitty-gritty of the profession, this book is a must-read for you as well. Adequate Yearly Progress may be fiction, but it’s the most realistic look at teaching I’ve ever read! It's fun...but honest! Get it….read it! You won’t be sorry! Bravo to you, Ms. Elden! When can we expect your next gem?

[Ms. Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! The author does a great job with multiple perspectives of an interesting and believable cast of teacher characters. As someone who has taught for 12 years at three different schools, I think she nailed it!

[K.Butler · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't make it through. I was hoping it would be funnier, but instead it was just eerily realistic. Some chapters just made me angry because they mirrored real situations I have been in. Teaching is hard enough, so I prefer to read books that help me escape all of it at the end of the day.

[John Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the most accurate account of teaching I have ever read. Nothing too particulary dramatic happens but just an account of the daily humilations and tiny victories that go into being a high school teacher.

[Anjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a public school in Texas and their extremely hard year. Hard, not just for the students but for the teachers and the administrative board. There is a new publicity loving superintendent on board, someone with ties to money involved elsewhere in the education 'industry'. I do not have any direct involvement with teaching other than having been a student myself but hardly anyone would deny that a good teacher with the zeal to inspire their students are rare and need to be commended. In this book ordinary people try to do the best they know how to while facing hurdles that so many teachers out there must face on a daily basis.

I am normally put off by swearing in books, but I could ignore the instances that they occur here! The story is narrated by multiple people, and this might not be everyone's cup of tea but it certainly was mine. The cast and my feelings about them goes something like this.

Lena is an English teacher by day and a poet every other time, I may not have understood her poetry but the emotion behind them were pretty clear. She may seem smart but she does make some mistakes in her personal life and although her year may not be full of triumphs, there are many learning moments.
Hernan is Lena's closest friend in school. They hang out at happy hour and try to make the other laugh. He was my favourite character because of the interesting variations between his feelings for Lena, his excitement in teaching and his green thumb as well as the brief glimpse of his family.
Maybelline is not a person you can like, she is strict and by the book to the point of annoyance. She does not have any friends around her but even she can surprise you when she finally draws the line.
Kaytee Mahoney is a type of idealist, young and brimming with things she wants to do. She wants to make a difference and her enthusiasm may get tempered in the year that they have but it does not get vanquished. She was a study of contrasts as she is always analysing her surroundings, events and herself.
Coach Ray is a typical coach who does not take time out to second guess his role and his behaviour. Situations get so complicated that even he is forced to reassess his life.
Last but not the least we have the well-meaning Principal, Dr. Miguel Barrios who tries his hardest to make the best of a terrible situation.
There are so many others who contribute their bit to the entire story but we do not have the privilege of listening to their private thoughts.
When the year begins the school is slowly asked to follow an increasing number of slogans and pithy targets which may not be practical in reality. The epilogue was kind of funny and made my reading experience feel complete. Although on the surface this story is not really my usual fare, I enjoyed the people, flaws and all trying to keep afloat amongst bureaucracy.  I felt both weary and angry by the end. This may be a story of a school based in the US but I am sure all around the world there must be many similar cases and that does not feel like a very happy thought. Overall I recommend this book to anyone who found all the above interesting.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I have watched all the major career dramas of today that one can name, but never have I read one before...and overall, I have to say that I really loved the experience.

The novel is written from the perspectives of several different teachers (including the principal) of a public inner-city high school in Texas and explores their struggles with changing board-mandated expectations, weak academic culture among students, and balancing their personal lives.

In immersing its readers into the lives of these teachers and institutional setting, this novel exposes a myriad of issues ranging from the flawed education system itself to the cycle of poverty in low-income communities and the modern day racial divide in southern America. It was especially interesting to see the way different archetypes of teachers responded to each of these situations and the pre-conceived notions that they themselves held in their inner-monologue.

While I initially found it hard to keep up with the sheer number of characters and names mentioned, I really grew to love the realistically unique voice that each character contributed. I never found myself skimming through some perspectives to see the fruition of another, I was equally engaged with every narrator.

If there is one major takeaway from this novel, it is a deeper sympathy towards teachers...they do so much.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this hit close to home! If you have ever worked as a teacher, you will completely relate to the ridiculous initiatives, the inexperienced "experts," and every single thing that Elden skews about school culture. It's a satirical novel about education but I actually recommend it for people who aren't teachers. In some ways it is too real for teachers to be able to laugh about. Read it and hug a teacher.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this comedy about high school teaching. Everyone gets skewered -- teachers, students, parents, administrators, the reform climate, all of it. With that, the reader has to be comfortable with satire around race, class, and gender -- and be warned that this book is written by a white author and the characters have diverse backgrounds. But if you have worked in a school, you will probably delight in the dark humor here.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book served me a variety of characters that were quite similar to the kind of teachers I had in school. It's quite hilarious as it is thought provoking and I got to read a copy of it through NetGalley in exchange for this honest take of mine. I reckon teachers or any administrator who is familiar with AYP would enjoy this read, and so would anyone who's ever been in a classroom.

[GS Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that I’d recommend anyone interested in public education should read. Folks will think it is hyper exaggerated satire, but it is mild at best. Pretty accurately reflects the reality of a lot of high schools with shifting agendas and hopping on every new bandwagon.

Best part is no martyr teacher narrative (actually, pretty constant mockery of that idea)!