Additional information
by The Freedom Writers (Author), Erin Gruwell (Author)
The students of today tell their stories of adversity and growth in letters to the original Freedom Writers--authors of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Freedom Writers Diary--who write supportive and powerful letters in response.
Over twenty years ago, the students in first-year teacher Erin Gruwell's high school class in Long Beach, California, were labeled "unteachable"--but she saw past that. Instead of treating them as scores on a test, she understood that each of them had a unique story to tell. Inspired by books like Anne Frank's diary, her students began writing their own diaries, eventually dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers. Together, they co-authored The Freedom Writers Diary, which launched a movement that remains incredibly relevant and impactful today. Their stories speak to young people who feel as if those around them do not care about their lives, their feelings, and their struggles. They want to be heard; they want to be seen.
Author Biography
The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell continue to share their stories with students and teachers from around the globe through their nonprofit, the Freedom Writers Foundation. They are the subject of the public television documentary Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart and the feature film Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank. Gruwell lives in Long Beach.
