Hrabowski leads a trio of University of Maryland scholars who describe their institution's science program to enhance the higher educational prospects of high-school-age black American men. (Hrabowski writes that his group is working in a comparable program for young black females.) The cornerstone of success, for anyone of any race, is family stability and support. For the nuances of this in the black context, the authors interviewed sons and parents, representing about 50 families, enrolled in an intensive college-prep curriculum in math and science. They extensively quote their subjects' experiences in child raising, separating those of the fathers, the mothers, and the sons. Summarizing their anecdotes, the authors endorse such time-proven attitudes as valuing achievement, reading constantly and widely, and working hard. The authors' main audience is educational professionals (footnotes abound), but students will still be able to identify with, and hear echoes of themselves in, the individual testimony that forms the bulk of this work.
Gilbert Taylor
"Beating the Odds is a thoughtful examination of what parents and others who care for and about African-American males (and all children) can do to ensure that they succeed in school and in life."--The Washington Post
"Beating the Odds is a crucial book.... For black parents concerned about their son's academic achievement it is crucial reading, as it is for everyone concerned about the general decline in American education."-- the Sun
"Can any American look at the dreadful number of young, Black men we are losing and not feel shame and horror? In this fascinating study, often in the words of the young people and families interviewed, we are reminded that every child can and must be given the tools for `beating the odds.'"--Marian Wright Edelman, President, The Children's Defense Fund
"Students will still be able to identify with, and hear echoes of themselves in , the individual testimony that forms the bulk of this work."--Booklist
"Beating the Odds offers guidelines as well as specific examples that will be valuable to educators and parents who want to promote excellence in their children...the parents whose voices are heard here offer lessons that can be applied in any family."--Publishers Weekly
"Beating the Odds relates wonderful stories of parents striving successfully to raise academically high-achieving African-American boys who are encouraged to excel in college and subsequently go on to elite graduate and professional schools in mathematics, medicine, science, and engineering."--Black Issues in Higher Education
"Beating the Odds goes beyond mere analysis of relentlessly negative media images to show us precisely how young Black men can succeed despite the debilitating affects of racism, crime as a social and economic alternative, and drugs as a rite of passage.... Essential reading for parents, teachers and school administrators, Beating the Odds offers insight, guidance and hope for anyone concerned about the plight of young African-American men and the societies they live in."--Black Employment Review
"Beating the Odds is undoubtedly one of the most important tools the African American parent can possess. This inspirational text reconceptualizes the falsely perpetuated image of the black male and introduces us to the fundamental elements needed to help our young men achieve academic excellence."--Kweisi Mfume, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
"I will treasure this book and the guidance and inspiration it will give me in pursuing the cause of high standards for all students."--Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools, Maryland
"Dr. Hrabowski's tremendous contributions as an educator and administrator at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Country demonstrates that young African American men, given the opportunity and encouragement to succeed, can indeed 'beat the odds.' His book is invaluable for anyone seeking to help minority students overcome the historical barriers they face to higher education and career success, which is essential for the long term economic well-being of our nation. I congratulate Dr. Hrabowski and his colleagues and share the pride of the entire University System of Maryland in their valuable and timely contribution addressing a critical national need."--Parris N. Glendenning, Governor of Maryland
