Forever Free

June 15, 2021
A self-proclaimed "educational abolitionist" reflects on her journey to becoming a children's literacy advocate. For as long as Bailey could remember, books offered a thrilling freedom she could not find elsewhere, and the African Methodist Episcopal church she and her parents attended exerted an equally powerful influence on her. Through it, she learned the importance of "elevat[ing] the status of the Black community." Both would later become sources of the author's strength in a world hostile to people of color and inspire her to pursue a career in education. She navigated a life that took her from a high school English teaching job to full-time motherhood to a doctorate in education. Her research led her to the work of Paul Farmer, the head of Harvard Medical School's Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, a leader in health and human rights. Galvanized by his example, Bailey organized an after-school reading program, Freedom Readers, at a public housing community. Her experiences with that program led her to the realization that low-income students needed strong literacy skills to "navigate a world where racism throws up barriers every day." At the same time, she continued to see how easily the academic institution could derail the work in which she believed. A month before her graduation, the professors overseeing her dissertation tried to invalidate her research by saying the communities Freedom Readers served "didn't need [her] to come in and fix them." Bailey successfully deflected their criticisms and earned her doctorate, with a specialization in language and literacy, while continuing to expand an educational program that challenged both "white supremacy" and the anti-humanist leanings of a capitalist society. As it critiques modern American educational practices, this timely book makes an impassioned plea for the humane innovations needed to create a just learning system for all. Inspiring reading for educators and anyone who cares about education.

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June 21, 2021
The story behind Freedom Readers, an after-school and summer literacy program in South Carolina that works with students in low-income communities, is told in this inspirational account. Program founder Bailey describes her own love affair with books as a child, and her desire to bring “the magic of reading” to children who have been “pushed to the margins and viewed with suspicion by overworked, under-resourced teachers who have only a shallow understanding of what it means to be Black.” Bailey also delves into the historical roots of segregation and discrimination in the American education system, details the value civil rights pioneers and Black scholars including Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois placed on reading, and charts the gap in average reading scores and other measures of academic success between white students and students of color. The pedagogy behind Freedom Readers, which offers one-on-one literacy tutoring and free books for children to take home, is examined, as are Bailey’s efforts to solicit government funding and private donations, and the impact of Covid-19 shutdowns on the program. Bailey doesn’t hold back in criticizing systemic inequalities in public schools and society at large, but her optimism shines through. Educators, parents, and school administrators will want to take a look.

July 1, 2021
This is the story of the Freedom Readers, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing literacy in marginalized populations. Author Bailey started this afterschool program while simultaneously pursuing a PhD, and her account includes intellectual and spiritual reflection, anecdotes and student profiles, and thoughtful commentary on historical perspectives and contemporary realities. Recognizing that educational and social systems fail our neediest populations, Bailey began by providing one-on-one tutoring to students. She describes overcoming numerous hurdles, including vigorously defending her dissertation on the Freedom Readers, and shares strategies that have been especially effective, both as guidelines for other programs and as advice for parents. Bailey's personality shines through here, and it's especially powerful when she brings in her personal experiences as a descendant of formerly enslaved people. Bailey was brought up in the church and gives credit to the profound role religion plays in her life. She also cites how she receives inspiration from the life of Frederick Douglass. Readers will appreciate Bailey herself, both for her powerful insights and her dedication to her cause.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2021

Blending memoir with social critique, Bailey discusses the power of literacy to change lives. Reading was an aid to Frederick Douglass in his abolitionist activism and on his road to freedom, and it continues to be a "tool of liberation for people of color," Bailey writes. She particularly notes that reading provides opportunities to improve access to health care, employment, and wealth. Bailey's book draws on history, pedagogy (she has a PhD in education), and her own experience as a Black woman. She says that witnessing institutional racism as a high school teacher, coupled with her devotion to service, led her to found the nonprofit Freedom Readers, which aims to improve the literacy skills of vulnerable students. Freedom Readers scholars learn about their heritage, build vocabulary, and practice public speaking; sessions end with scholars practicing reading with a tutor. In a decade of operation, Freedom Readers has improved the academic success of participants. Bailey's book alone is compelling and insightful, but including sample lesson plans or reading lists would have strengthened the work for readers. VERDICT Bailey's book is recommended for anyone who has an interest in improving literacy rates or who enjoys narratives of individuals overcoming obstacles to bring a vision to fruition. Directors of small nonprofit organizations will be able to relate to the successes and frustrations Bailey experiences, including the adjustments required by the COVID-19 pandemic.--Lydia Olszak, Worthington-West Franklin Community Lib., Worthington, PA

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