Jaime Escalante: Sensational Teacher (Hispanic Biographies) [Library Binding]

Ann Byers (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Series: Hispanic Biographies

Presents the life of the Bolivian-born teacher who immigrated to the United States where he inspired and motivated his inner city students to excel in mathematics.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-9--Ganas, or the desire to succeed, explains Escalante's inspiring achievement as an exceptional teacher. Byers traces the life of this native Bolivian who early on showed mechanical aptitude and an ability to absorb advanced mathematics and physics. He overcame economic and political obstacles to become a high-school instructor in La Paz, but started again at ground zero when he immigrated to the U.S. in 1963. The sheer determination, discipline, and hard work he displayed in establishing his career are the same qualities he has always demanded from his students. The 1988 film Stand and Deliver brought Escalante's methods and accomplishments with inner-city youth from Los Angeles into the national spotlight. Interviews and speeches are among the sources the author draws upon, and humorous examples show Escalante's creativity. Average-quality black-and-white photos present the subject, his family, and pupils. Young people will relate to the many anecdotes in this book that illustrate Escalante's dedication to helping others learn.

Janet Woodward, Franklin High School, Seattle, WA

Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894907638
• ISBN-13: 978-0894907630
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good portrayal of the man who taught Ganas, April 29, 2004

By 

Keith L - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jaime Escalante: Sensational Teacher (Hispanic Biographies) (Library Binding)

I had heard that Stand and Deliver was a good movie and so I borrowed it from my public library. I wanted to know the truth about Jaime Escalante, the truth behind the movie. I happened to see this book one day and just started reading it. It took me less than an hour to read, but the well-written book taught me much about Escalante, the sensational and resourceful teacher. This is not only the Stand and Deliver story-- the story about how he made 18 high school students pass the A.P. Calculus exam, but the things that led to it and the aftermath.

This book is a short read, but it is inspiring and especially good if you want to know the story behind Stand and Deliver, the movie about Jaime Escalante as a teacher.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Inspirational, September 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Jaime Escalante: Sensational Teacher (Hispanic Biographies) (Library Binding)

This lively and engaging biography makes good use of quotations and information gained through personal interviews with Escalante. Reading this book makes me feel that I have spent time in Escalante's company. I would not want teachers to mimic his style, but I would like them all to share his determination to succeed.