Heart Prints

by Anne Schober

Each of us has a story. Each of us is unique.

Heart Prints encourages teachers to open their hearts and eyes to each of the students in their classrooms. It reveals the realities of the classroom when a teacher realizes that each person has a story to tell and each person has a voice to be heard. This work is a story of connections, success, heartbreak and love. It is an impassioned call to learn to teach, love and speak with your heart to change your life. This book is filled with honesty, despair, victories and tears.



Through my voice as a teacher and my students’ voices, we reflect on our time together and the way our connections are illuminated through Heart Prints; a story filled with hope.My story was difficult to write because it was not just my story. My family, my students, and my fellow teachers became an integral part of my daily life. Our lives were so intertwined, it was impossible to separate them. Heart Prints is that story—our story. After I became a Freedom Writer teacher in July of 2007, my life as a teacher changed more than words can describe. Erin Gruwell showed me how to teach with my heart so that the rest will follow. I learned how to 'put myself out there' so that my students would learn to trust me. I learned that sometimes the hardest stories—the ones that tear us up and spit us out—were the ones that made us stronger.

Genres: Nonfiction

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a goodreads first reads of the book "Heart Prints" by Anne Schober. Mrs.Schober became a "freedom writer" for her class at a catholic high school in Lancaster. she was a fan of the original Freedom writer Erin Gruwell who became famous by writing a book and even a movie was made about her.
Anne had her own stories to tell and so did her students. through out her book she wrote the steps she took and projects her and the students at the school where she taught. Some of this book is written by Mrs. Schober and there are many essays by the students she taught. I have always liked books and movies about teachers who made a difference for her students. I can see that Anne Schober dearly loves the teenagers she taught. some who were low risk kids.she had a talent for drawing them out of their shells and getting them to write essays about their feelings. If you like books about teachers who make a difference in their students lives. you may like this book.

[Alyssa Jacunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a bit biased on my opinion of this book because Mrs. Schober was one of my teachers in high school (for speech class). But, it is still amazing. Mrs. Schober guides readers through her story and her journey to becoming the teacher that she is (I use present tense because even though teaching isn't her profession anymore I have no doubt that she is still teaching life lessons to all those she encounters). I was never really one to connect with my teachers on a personal level. However, through reading "Heart Prints", I feel this connection.

Reading stories from my fellow peers made this that much more exciting to read. Mrs. Schober has awakened the thoughts I've always had of potentially becoming a teacher.

I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who are in the teaching profession or are interested in the teaching profession. :)

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a very grateful recipient of an act of kindness performed by Anne and her students. Anne has a way of touching the lives of not only her students, but of everyone she comes into contact with. This book only scratches the surface of the difference Anne has made in the lives of others. Fantastic read!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I usually do not read books like this because I have no taste for them, but this book was a beautiful exception. This little book full of stories about how lives were changed and how to relate to other people and students warmed my heart up quite a bit.

At the beginning I wasn't sure if I would be interested in the book, since I usually am more into fictional stories with grande adventures. Once I got into the book, reading about how lives were positively affected by other people and how one can change themselves to relate to others made me thoroughly enjoy this book.

The book is beautifully written with a great use of descriptive words where needed. I felt like I was reading a very well thought out essay for an English class (and I really enjoyed English class and editing essays).

It is hard to find one thing wrong about this book (other than the fact it is from a genre that I don't usually read). This book can lift the spirits and teach the reader about how to relate to other people, not just students, and how a reader can possibly have a positive effect on another person's lives.

Four out of five stars! Beautifully written and a wonderful, short read.

I also really enjoyed the fact that it was autographed and had a message specifically for me. It made my day brighten seeing the book specifically signed with my name by the author with a little message.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this free in a Goodreads giveaway.

Pros: Once you really get into it, this book is thought-provoking and a powerful tool for educators or any person who works with the public. Whether an office of 5 or a state of 5 million, it makes you want to know others better and be a better person. The letters from the students and other people involved were the best part and should be interspersed earlier in a future edition of the book, or new letters should be shared in a sequel. Yes, sequel, as I'm sure the author has plenty more to give the world, and we should hear about it.

Cons: The first 50 pages were not interesting to me. Hang in there, it does get to the good stuff.

Verdict: It's an inspirational little read. I'm tempted to Netflix the movie Freedom Writers now, though it did not do well, to learn more.

Good gift for: That woman at church, anybody within 7 degrees of faculty, somebody who has just made it over a hurdle in life.