Be the Dream: Prep for Prep Graduates Share Their Stories [Paperback]

Gary Simons (Compiler), Marian Wright Edelman (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2003

Twenty-five years ago, an elementary school teacher in the Bronx had a vision: No bright, determined, spirited child should be left behind because of the circumstances of race or poverty. Out of that vision, Prep for Prep was born, to identify gifted children and provide them access to a first-rate education. Thousands of these students have graduated from America's most demanding universities and gone on to become leaders in their communities. Thirty-five of them have written about the experience - an experience that changed their lives. Their stories offer indisputable proof that education empowers people to do great things

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gary Simons founded Prep for Prep in 1978 and served as executive director until June 30, 2002. During those years, he turned a 25-student program into one with over 2,600 students and alumni. Mr. Simons, now vice chairman of Prep for Prep, is currently focusing on ways that the organization can serve a larger number of deserving young people, while developing an updated curriculum that can be offered to students beyond Prep's own ranks. Mr. Simons earned a B.A., cum laude, in history from Harpur College (now SUNY Binghamton) and a masters degree in psychology from Teacher's College, Columbia University. While at Teacher's College, he was appointed a fellow in the Graduate Leadership Education Project in Gifted Education; it was as a Fellow, and under the guise of fieldwork (and the auspices of Teachers College), that he launched Prep for Prep. While at Teachers College, Mr. Simons continued to teach full-time at P.S. 140 in the South Bronx. During a 12-year period, he taught each of the elementary grades.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Algonquin Books; 1 edition (June 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565124170
• ISBN-13: 978-1565124172
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,739,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, December 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Be the Dream: Prep for Prep Graduates Share Their Stories (Hardcover)

"Be the Dream" is a great inspirational read on hope and success through hard work in academics as told by adults who have survived the inner city hells of America. It is a good book for teachers, who firmly believe in the potential of all their students; for students, who lose sight of their dreams because of mainstream media; for parents who are struggling to not only put food on the table, but are also battling the negative/misguided messages thrown at their kids; and for other inner city survivors who feel that they are alone in their struggle to find justice in this world.

I bought a copy for my nephew who is in 10th grade. I plan to buy one for my niece who is in 11th grade, and more copies for my boss and friends who are teachers in the inner cities.

I have met and spent time with some of the writers in the book and they are truly inspirational.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be The Dream, July 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Be the Dream: Prep for Prep Graduates Share Their Stories (Paperback)

A superb read about the stories of gifted minority youngsters whose lives, and the lives they have connected with, have evolved from the most challenging levels of our society with the assistance of the Prep program, community, and Mr. Simons into the talented leaders of present and future.

Wondefully inspirational to all who see the need for changes in education and society and especially for those who are unaware of the many ways in which these positive goals can be accomplished today!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read Inspiration Book, September 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Be the Dream: Prep for Prep Graduates Share Their Stories (Paperback)

This anthology was an incredible read. If you are looking to be inspired, to have your hope reborn, read these stories!! You are guaranteed to look within yourself and say, "Yes, I can!"