Uncertain Lives: Children of Promise, Teachers of Hope

by Robert V. Bullough Jr.

Written for all those who are concerned about the plight of children in America, most especially future school teachers, Uncertain Lives tells the stories of 34 children, enrolled in a K-6 urban school. The tale told is one of children doing the best they know how under trying life circumstances. Presenting the voices of the children themselves, Robert Bullough puts a hopeful and ultimately human face on what are otherwise grim statistics. “A wonderfully touching series of encounters with schoolchildren enable this book to offer so very much. We learn about a school through the declared witness of these young people, whose remarks sometimes shine with wisdom.”
― Robert Coles , Harvard University
“…a beautifully written book that reminds us not to forget our responsibility to the children of America. It is the story of children silently crying out for communities to hear their voices and the voices of millions more like them which must no longer remain unheard.”
― Mary Hatwood Futrell , former President of the National Education Association
"…an important book. Bullough is an advocate for those disadvantaged children who probably receive the least attention from policy makers."
Max van Manen , Professor, University of Alberta

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2001

Reviews

[Donna]

Powerful and moving, this book tells the stories of the impoverished students at a Salt Lake Elementary School. Most of the stories are heartbreaking and all will heighten awareness in the reader of the needs that fall to schools to fill because there is inadequate support from home. Many of the parents are victims of circumstance, just as the students themselves are. It reminded me of the many heroes we have in the classroom.

Bullough's last chapter, in which he makes recommendations for changes that will help ALL children, should be read by every government official who has any influence over education.

[Melinda]

I taught elementary school in this district and saw first hand what this book is about. I love this book.