"Let's see what you can do with those kids, hotshot." (73)

Again, I am struck by Erin's daring behavior. She is so invested in her student's lives and education. It was touching how she put the students autobiographies into a book for Spielberg to read. The way Erin involves her students and finds them special jobs based on their needs, is wonderful. It's truly a shame to read how much Erin had to put up with from other teachers. By doing her job she made them look bad? What kind of logic is that? Rise to the challenge.

Reading through this section it seems to be clear that Erin and her husband are both making choices in their relationship. While Erin is certainly doing a remarkable job in the classroom, she doesn't seem to be communicating with her husband much. I was surprised she didn't even ask him about having students over for a barbecue.

When Erin gets her new class it's silly to see how much she forgets about where her students come from. I don't think she actually forgets, but she does seem shocked when West Side Story doesn't go over and her students don't seem to be on the same level as her when it comes to life experience. Henry says something important and basically calls her on her ignorance when he says "Shit, lady, wake up and realize what kind of world we live in" (84).

I really liked reading about the learning experience Erin goes through when she helps Manny get into college. Her run-in with Manny's mother is an important thing for all teachers who read this book to identify with. Parents need to be honored and while Erin meant no harm, her influence seemed to be read as a threat. She did what she could to combat that and Manny's success is great, but I'm sure, if given the chance again, Erin would approach the situation differently.

Sometimes, when reading, Erin's class seems like counseling and not English. I'm sure it's the slant of the book, but it's amazing to me that Erin could withstand all the emotional strain of having so many students that need help and having so little resources. It's too bad that this strain is hurting her relationship with her husband. I think Erin can teach us all a lesson about not stretching ourselves too thin.