Circle in the Square: Building Community and Repairing Harm in School

by Nancy Riestenberg

In this, her first book, Nancy Riestenberg writes warmly and with long experience about the challenges facing school communities and how restorative measures­ specifically Circles­ create a safer space for learning and development for all. Using stories direct from the hallways, she brings heart to subjects that are often divisive and bullying and other violence, suspension, drug use, staff conflicts, and more. Throughout the book, Nancy s focus is on strategies that actually work for the whole school students, parents, administrators, teachers, and the community in which they live.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development

278 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published March 27, 2012

Reviews

[Hannah Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book does a great job of balancing theory with practice. It provides background and insight into the principles and history of restorative justice, but it gives hands-on advice and direction for those who need tools for immediate implementation. I think most books I've come across so far offer a lot of background on the whys, which is important, but this is much more clear on the hows than other books are. I don't think a person can be "done" learning about RJ, but it's easy to feel like there is so much to learn that you will never be at the point to actually get started or take initiative. This book gives practical pointers that make it seem like the practitioner (me?) can contribute to making a situation better without needing to be perfect; ways of safely facilitating improvements in organizational culture even if you are learning through doing.

[Fafani Weinzierl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found myself in several situations wondering if Restorative Circles wouldn’t just be the perfect option. I love the concept of the circle itself having meaning and how it could become just a regular part of a day school. Being able to use restorative practices on a regular basis to address all sorts of disciplinary problems would be great. I just don’t know how to even start with something like that though.

[Marcie Marzullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many great quotes I'll be using with my staff. Great book for people wanting to refine their restorative practices.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concepts, but the writing is rather repetitive.

[Evva Starr · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this one to anyone. I’m a fan of restorative justice and community circles but this book could have been a two-page essay.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a decent comprehensive qualitative approach to restorative justice in the schools. This book might be valuable to anyone seeking to alter the dominant discourse on school discipline, however there are some areas which the author failed to address. Overall, i would recommend, however this must not be taken with too much idealistic enthusiasm as one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to repairing harm in schools. Also, if you are looking for a book which will help in addressing the issue of repairing harms in the case of prolonged bullying in schools, you may wish to look elsewhere.

[Mills College Library]

371.192 R562 2012