Reader Response: Withheld

"Hurrah to you for publishing this book!!!! A city paper ran a review. I got the book that week. It took several weeks to read the first 100 or so pages. I just finished the last 200 in one sitting.

How did you know this is the school system I teach in? It's not Karen, Nick, David and George. The "Good Ol' Boys"Club" meets frequently. They hire sons and daughters or important town people's children. Poor teachers are allowed to go on.

Principals...habits create needs. I've just finished my 29th year in lower elementary. I've been chastised for running in the halls when I had a Kindergarten class of 30 in one building and another class of 29 in another building, traveling between the schools from 11-12, lunch and prep time. I've been chastised for calling parents too often. I've been told to move a classroom of "stuff" overnight, staying until 1:00 a.m. several nights in a row.

This book couldn't have happened in Des Moines; it's happening right here.

Education...Karen, Nick...please come to teach in my building. We need your fortitude, dedication and ability to stand up for what is just!

Sincerely, (Name withheld, I need my job.)"