You Failed Us: Students of Color Talk Seattle Schools

by Azure Savage

"You Failed Us" is an exploration of the experience that students of color have in the schools they attend around the Seattle area. It incorporates direct quotes from interviewed students, as well as the authors's own personal experiences from when they were in elementary school, to now, about to enter their senior year of high school. Digging into these experiences allows us to find meaning, and understand the factors that create them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Race

154 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Anonymous · Rating 1 out of 5]

This books has valid points, including higher expectations from some teachers just because you tested into HCC. However, I as a person of color felt many of these statements were innacurate, and some racist due to generalizations. None of my classmates have acted superior due to race and i found the environment more friendly because people don't bully you for what you're interested in. How you learn. Or how you act. I believe it is no different making friends with someone of a different race, it's how the person acts. I agree that the school district should focus on those who may be struggling or receiving unfair treatment. Each of us have a right to a good education no matter what we look or believe in. I agree that people of color do have a disadvantage at getting into the program due to sometimes economic differences or other reasons. So Savage made important points to come to attention, but her book is targeted on the negative of the program, while only interviewing those who have had bad experiences. She states in her book that as an Asian person of race she has greater privellages than other people of color. This statement is creating a divide and assuming students situations. The tone of voice looks down on whites and Asians, and make several statements that clump racial groups together. I am glad that she has aroused a fight for the rights of colored people, but her book is hypocritical because as she fights for no discrimination in schools she makes racist statements in her book that only focus on negative, instead of the majority which I find to be positive. She focuses on events in America where CERTAIN people who are considered white gave wronged. However, this works the other way around where whit people have been suppressed. I believe we all deserve a chance to get the best education that works for each individual, not everyone learns at the same pace.
P.S.
I do believe it is important for events where white people and colored people are suppressed. Remember it's not all one sided. As an example in some ways America is a sanctuary for immigration war torn countries and greater rights. However, rightfully this land belongs to the Native Americans, and this country has not always shown liberty and justice to all.

[Haze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azure Savage is definitely an author to watch. He self published this book while still in high school and immediately gained notoriety and quickly became one of Elliot Bay's bestsellers. "You Failed Us: Students Of Color Talk Seattle Schools" is one of the most insightful and moving books I've ever read. It explores the complex issues of racism within the SPS system through a well-crafted mix of interviews, personal stories, and analysis. He is incredibly courageous in sharing his story with the world and is a powerful example of the incredible work being done by young people today. He demands action from the district as well as on an individual level from teachers and students and beautifully illustrates what students of color go through on a daily basis. I've been paying attention to his media appearances, as well as the backlash he's faced from HCC parents, who so desperately cling to their privileged position. He handles this backlash with grace and strength, refusing to waver in his stance. I absolutely can't wait to see what he does next. I strongly believe this book needs to be read by everyone, particularly white people involved in any capacity with education. This book is accessible in language and prioritizes the voices that are so often ignored. Please encourage anyone you know to sit down and spend some time to read this tremendous work of nonfiction.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage is a powerful storyteller and weaves together their personal experiences with those of their classmates and social justice/ anti-oppression analysis effectively. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has been a student in the school system, may work in the school system, or have loved ones working or studying in the school system.

[Matt Legacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard but good read

[Greg Bem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. As a white male educator, I've encountered a lot of equity books in the last year, but none have resonated with me on the student experience as much as Savage's work. The book itself has some issues with typos and formatting, but the content is what matters, and it shines. I do wish there had been a "further reading" section, and/or references to allow for deeper dives into the many issues Savage raises, but in general I am impressed with the courage and directness with which the author conveys so much truth.