The Shame of the Nation.

THE SHAME OF THE NATION. Jonathan Kozol. 2005. Read by Robertson Dean. 9 cds. 10 hrs. Books on Tape. 1-4159-2416-3. $96.00. Vinyl; content notes. SA *

In 1954, in Brown v. the Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that American public schools must be integrated because segregated schools are inherently unequal. Tragically, as Kozol describes in this moving book, thousands of public schools today are just as segregated as they were in 1954, and, inevitably, just as unequal. As Kozol documents, these segregated schools are under funded, physically crumbling, horrendously overcrowded and, all too often, designed to direct mainly poor students from any academically challenging programs or opportunities. Kozol describes later Supreme Court decisions that made it more difficult for advocates for these students to sue for an equal education. Kozol also describes dedicated teachers and principals who work miracles with the children they teach, in spite of obstacles that most good teachers would find insurmountable. He also describes the beautiful spirits of the children who laugh and endure despite being abused by a society that is supposed to protect them.

Dean's reading is outstanding. His voice is rich, slow, clear and well modulated. Both the outrage and the hope come through strongly. This is a must listen for every American. Susan Offner, Teacher, Lexington HS, Lexington, MA