Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope

by James Patterson, Matt Eversmann

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

The son of a teacher himself, the world's #1 bestselling author James Patterson blows the lid off what is happening in today's schools with firsthand stories, highlighting the heroic efforts of the world's teachers.
 
Teachers are the heroes we too often forget to thank. And we need heroes more than ever.  From across the country, from kindergarten to high school, from public, private, religious, or military schools, teachers tell What it takes to teach kids day in and day out What it takes to improve kids’ lives What it takes to foster a lifelong readers and lifelong learners
If you can read this, someone cared about you. If you can read this, you want a brighter future for our kids. If you can read this, thank a teacher.
 
   

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Education, Teaching, Teachers

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2026

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson tends to publish one or two non-fiction books each year, and “Thank You Teachers: True Stories from America’s Teachers” is one of those for 2026. It is co-written by the same three authors/contributors that published “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians” back in 2024 that took readers behind the scenes with stories from booksellers, books store owners, and librarians. This time, “Thank You Teachers” takes the readers behind the scenes with stories from real and dedicated teachers in elementary, middle and high schools in our country. They are our true, underpaid and definitely unappreciated, heroes that go the distance in an increasingly challenging environment to improving the lives of our future generations.

This is first and foremost, a book that helps us step inside those challenges that teachers face on a first-hand level, including limited funding, restrictive curriculums, book banning, district and state politics influencing educational needs, and the most dangerous, violence and shootings.

Second, it is important to know that this non-fiction book is not really written by Patterson and his two co-authors. This is a collection of short essays that range from three to eight pages in length, written by teachers and administrators all across the United States and Canada. Patterson and his co-authors serve as editors who collected, edited, and organized the personal stories together into different themed sections.

This book reflects the passion, commitment, and sacrifice that teachers in our country make, a lot that are completely unfair to ask of them. I am so glad that they were given this platform to share their personal stories of success and connecting with their students on a level that motivates and influences their futures for the better. Teaching is one of those professions in which the impacts are not immediately revealed, and often it is many years later that the real results are seen. Their stories touch your heart and remind you of what matters most doesn’t just happen in the four walls of the classroom; it requires the highest level of involvement in all of the aspects of their students’ lives and needs.

As I read through the first half of the book, I was reminded of my own desire to teach. I even went through three years of college as an English major with the intent of getting my teaching certificate so that I could teach Shakespeare and literature in high school. That dream ended the first time when I discovered there were no openings in my home state, and even if I had been lucky enough to find one, the pay was so low that I couldn’t come close to supporting my own family. My senior year, I changed my major to Accounting, graduated and passed the CPA exam, and began a career in business that has turned out well for me and my family.

However, that dream has never left me, as I have had many teaching and mentoring opportunities in my work roles, church service, martial arts school, and community involvement. My intent has always been that when I retire from the business world, I would transition into a part-time teaching role at my local community college or high school. Unfortunately, the honesty shared by teachers in the second half of this book, left me with a very ominous feeling of concern and worry about the future of teaching and our educational system.

There are serious messages that these teachers are trying to get out. I will put them in two general groups for purposes of my comments. The first is the physical, emotional, and economic toil the job takes on a teacher. We cannot continue to require the impossible from them while paying them so little. We are facing a real teaching shortage that will only get worse as more and more current teachers find the only way to deal with burnout and lack of support is to leave the profession they love. What’s even worse is that nothing is being done to address it and the epidemic will get much worse before enough concern is raised to try and fix it. By then it will probably be too late.

The second issue is even more concerning. Our education system needs change. Serious structural change. Things have changed since I was a kid in public schools. Lines of behavior and accountability were clear and adhered to. Parents were responsible for their children. The curriculum wasn’t politically driven and manipulated by school boards and parents whining about things they didn’t like. And more importantly, everyone worked together to be respectful and achieve a decent level of harmony. Life wasn’t perfect by any means, but structure, processes, and social behaviors were better understood and adhered to for the most part.

To be completely honest, some of the stories shared by these teachers (both in public and private school situations) absolutely shocked me. I was appalled to read of teachers being attacked by students, who didn’t face any repercussions for their unacceptable violent behaviors. I was angered by stories of parents blaming teachers for their own children’s bad behaviors, most of which the parents had to have awareness of the reality of the situations even though they lashed out in verbal attacks on the very teachers trying to help their students learn, grow, and take accountability for their own actions. Then I remembered my adult daughter telling me about how my 4th grade grandchild was punched in the stomach by a class bully who had punched several students without cause during the year and the school’s response was to just keep him in the same classroom with his victims. Things have changed so dramatically since I was part of the public school system.

How schools are administrated are under attack from several different, but serious challenges. As the teachers describe, they face political fighting over curriculum content such as an overemphasis on national test scores over learning and development needs, parents who want the schools to provide all of their child’s education but not be either held accountable for their parental responsibilities or are so busy trying to survive that they need help beyond their means, and an inability to hold their students accountable for their behaviors and interactions with each other. The changes needed to deal with these absolutely critical infrastructural elements of our educational system are broken. I hate to say this, but I am not even sure if it is possible to fix them, especially in our current state of political and social disarray. And the lesson for me was that I should be rethinking my desire to teach when retiring. I really hate to reconsider that, but I cannot ignore the horrible experiences and lessons that these teachers have shared. It’s left a lasting impression that I will have think about and take into account when I make that decision.

Overall, this was a quick, reflective, and thought-provoking read, reminding me of why I have always wanted to teach, and have enjoyed the opportunities to do that throughout my life because it is a critical part of who I am and what brings me joy. However, this book also provides first-hand crucial lessons and stark warnings that the future of teaching and educational systems in our county are broken and in deep trouble. Most importantly, if we don’t take action sooner than later, our future generations will pay the price for our failure…

3.5 out of 5 stars (and yes, I realize that Goodreads requires to me to round up or down. Ugh…). And a big thank you to Patterson for bringing it to the forefront in one of your non-fiction books!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivational read. Short stories from teachers all over the US. Lots of views about the difficulties and the love of teaching.

[Lauren]

As a teacher this was amazing to listen to/read!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many stories could have been written by me about my students. I definitely feel the difference between supportive administrators and positive school culture/morale vs. lack of accountability, communication, and follow through by administrators. The culture of blaming the teacher for everything is wreaking havoc on the teachers who got into it for the “love of the students.”

[Brian Tooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in education since 1994. I wanted to be a teacher who made a difference. In my 10 years in first grade, I did. Then I took time off to be a stay at home dad. I went back in the classroom in 2009 as a substitute teacher.

This book reminded me why I am in education. I want to make a difference at the schools I sub at. This book, also, was very y raw in showing what we are dealing with in today's classroom from the disrespect and the post COVID students to rewarding negative behaviors and forgetting about those students who are showing respect and responsibility.

[Hiknbean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just wish there were more reality check anecdotal stories. I taught for 48 years and retired due to lack of administrative support. I would not recommend anyone go into teaching. It is not worth the time or the money anymore.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by all teachers or anyone thinking about teaching. It gives true meaning of teaching from a teachers perspective and not from someone who has never been in the classroom. I taught for 30 years and this book hit home from many of the teachers excerpts.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. Especially people who don’t think highly of teachers. EVERYONE.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a teacher, I’m not sure I was the target audience for this book. Hearing real teachers’ stories didn’t have the uplifting effect I think the authors intended. This would be an eye-opening book for people who want to be informed on the landscape of education. Otherwise, it’s just a collection of shared experiences that are not necessarily hope-filled or encouraging. I expected this book to warm my teacher soul, and it fell short.

[Michael Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Apple a Platitude, or What It's Like for Educators

I was perusing through the Target bookshelves, when I came across this hanging around young adult and booktok recommendations. It was odd to find it between teen romances and smut, but there it was at the end of Teacher Appreciation Week.

It was 1984 when Congress proclaimed March 7th as National Teacher Day. Since the 1940s, Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge corresponded with political and educational leaders to establish a day to “celebrate the nation's most valuable asset: educators.”

By 1953, then First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt lobbied Congress to establish and certify the holiday, though it would not be until 1980 that we'd actually start celebrating. And, it was not until 1984 that, through the efforts of both the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Parent-Teacher Association (NPTA), the first week of May was officially designated as Teacher Appreciation Week, with the first Tuesday of May being its actual observance.

Over 40 years later, teachers’ contributions to society are gratified through potlucks, lotteries, snacks, too much food, and soulless Thank Yous. With trite congratulations, nothing shows more appreciation than consumerism and pretenses.

As a Teacher

Patterson and Eversmann attempt to show us the education world. A part of the Heroes Among Us series of books published by the duo, where they have covered stories from soldiers and police, followed by nurses and firefighters, then soldiers again in a stand-alone book. This leaves teachers in fifth place for the ranking of heroes.

I concede that saving lives is perhaps more important than guiding them. However, I must surrender to bias. I’m the target audience. I’m usually on stage, working through many of the situations described. Each reminds me of all the chaos that goes on in teaching kids and improving their lives.

Each story conveys an aspect of the educational experience. From elementary to high school, teachers, school staff and administrators come from everywhere and sometimes from nowhere.

Some people knew they wanted to be teachers since they were kids. Some fell onto the job by circumstance or chance, later learning that it fulfills them more than whatever they did before. And some discover a passion for teaching in the process of learning how to do it.

All the things teachers do and are is conveyed in each story. And each is a letter to an educator who feels undervalued. By highlighting the labor teachers put into instructing, and at times even raising students, it also broadens the public understanding of the profession.

For Patterson and Eversmann, teachers are heroes. They care and show up for others, work under difficult and sometimes precarious conditions, sacrificing themselves in a perhaps futile attempt at improving people's lives through their service. From their perspective, as it is for many, educating the next generation is a courageous act of public service.

The book is inspirational, but lacks any substantial analysis of many of the problems facing modern education discussed in its pages. So there is no proposal for solutions and no in depth discussion of educational research and policy.

It is for the masses as it is to tug teachers’ heartstrings. Although it's a timely appreciation, it does not go beyond just a Thank You. A polite gesture, but a gesture nonetheless.

As a Reader

Discussions regarding the many ills of the United States education system are not scarce. There is no excess of teachers all over social media, desperately reeling and TikTokking about students’ inability to read, pay attention, follow instructions, and think.

In fact, just as recently as this month, a viral video had spread showing high school seniors unable to read sentences, such as the following:

She wore a silhouette of clothes that were extraordinary but somewhat gauche.

All is not well in the education world, and everyone knows it. A celebration of teachers isn't going to change much of that, regardless of how many firsthand accounts you collect for a book.

One of my favorite education statistics about the United States in particular shows that the adult literacy rate is at 79%, while 21% of adults lack basic English literacy skills, making them functionally illiterate. More than half of adults in the U.S., about 130 million aged 16-74 (54%), read below a sixth-grade level. And the average American reads at a seventh to eighth-grade level.

This is concerning, to say the least, though it's what I'd expect from a system functioning as a machine meant to churn out workers. Working in the system myself, I cannot easily refute anyone who suggests this is intentional. And being a lifelong reader and learner myself, I cannot avoid the feeling that it might just be.

And who is to say during these dire educational times when funds are short, political and parental pressures push and pull educational policies, literature is censured, schools are unsafe, and teachers are sick of platitudes.

In an interview with Leland Vittert from News Nation, James Patterson says that we ought to just let teachers teach, and that they're not the problem, but school boards are. An easy, simpering remark that advocates for nothing.

If that's all Patterson can muster at advocating for teachers, I think we can rest assured that not much will change. And perhaps, that was the point.

Thank you for the appreciation. It feels good even if it doesn't do much. Now, can you read the following sentence?

The colonel asked the choir to accommodate the governors schedule.

If you can read this indeed, thank a teacher.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is “True Stories from America’s Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope.” Basically, this book is a compilation of real-life observations (both positive and negative) from those on the front lines of our country’s classrooms – and they can be quite eye-opening. Well, for me, not really. There wasn’t a single word from any of the contributors here that I haven’t heard – way more than once – from my late husband (33 years a high school English teacher), our daughter (33-plus years a middle-school language arts teacher now retired) or our granddaughter, a middle-school language arts teacher, who, half a dozen years into the experience, now counts herself among the teachers with dry feet.

That is, with one notable exception – the elementary school teacher who, with her students, watched out her classroom windows in horror with her as flames shot up and ashes fell all over the school yard when airplanes hit the Twin Towers just blocks away. Still, the fallout of that event for other teachers has been echoed in our house, which is smack dab in the middle of Midwest America, and was voiced by another teacher here: “When a tragedy occurs [Sandy Hook Elementary, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School], my first thought is always, “That could be my school.”

In short, this is a book that needs to be read, even by those who already know our country’s educational system is in deep doodoo (or more to the point, the future of our children is). After all, gone are the days when elementary teachers almost all were females who had white hair and wore orthopedic oxfords like mine did; gone, too, are the students who cowered at the thought of being sent to the principal’s office (more likely, they now just call Mom, who races to the school to tell the principal not to mess with her perfectly behaved kid). But there’s a positive side here as well; what comes through loud and clear is that today’s teachers really love to teach – and maybe more important, they love their students, want them to learn and are extremely proud of them when they do. They just need the chance to be able to do it.

Here are just a few snippets that got my attention:

“I don’t believe kids nowadays have the expectation that their actions have repercussions. It’s a whole new system.”

“There are no ‘bad’ students – just students who need to learn differently.”

“My first month of teaching [each year] is so difficult I cry nearly every single day.”

“The hardest part of the job is dealing with children’s home lives, which so often affect their behavior.”

And last but hardly least, from a 25-year military veteran turned teacher: “Teaching is the hardest thing I’ve done that doesn’t involve live ammunition.”

All rightee then. Required reading, IMHO, by anyone who wants to know what’s really going on in schools today. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for letting me tune in by way of a pre-release copy.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to say reading this book confirmed a lot of what I assumed to be the case. Teachers definitely need to paid so much for the work they do. And the hours that they put in to help a student. Reading these stories from some of.these teachers are heart breaking and happy moments. We need to thank them for their work. Not just drop the kids off and assume the teacher will do everything for you..As parents you have to try harder. And I do agree having tablets for students isn't great for teaching. I grew up with books and I think I learn better with a teacher and a book. And not just a teacher but someone in front of me. And hearing about how some schools just gave up and don't care when they don't have the financial means to fix it is just down right awful.
I thank the teachers that I had. I had three favorite teachers in high school. They were truly for me the best. I even kept going back to visit them after high school. And one I'm friends with on Facebook. Heck I was told one of my favorites was a mean teacher and so on. But guess what I never had that problem with her. I would try to be in her class all day. It's the reason pretty much all my classes were business computers and so on. I'd spend lunch in there. Same with my other teacher instead of pep rally's I'd ask to hang out in the classroom.
I feel if not for those teachers and good friends I wouldn't have cared so much. And they never stopped me from reading after I finished my work..and the computer teacher let me type up my stories/books after work and during lunch. Heck even let me print out copies and keep the disk for it. Remember those disks for computers??
Anyhow I want to thank the authors for writing this book and meeting with some teachers to get their stories. I wish more parents and kids and people in general would thank a teacher and help them and encourage more reading.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I honestly believe that the biggest impacts school has on students are in the form of the teachers they come into contact with.” -Lisa Clark

This is the quote that resonated with me the most after reading this book. There is so much truth in this statement. Teachers sacrifice so much for their students and most people never even know it. I think that everyone should read this book, because these are real life stories and they are so eye opening. Some of these stories will make you laugh. Some will be so heartwarming and some will make you cry. Some of them will make you angry. But one thing all of these people have in common, is that they care about the kids they teach and they’ve all made sacrifices to be the kind of teacher their students can look up to. They have all made sacrifices to be the kind of teachers their students need to survive in this crazy and unpredictable world. I admire each and every teacher in this book and also around the globe because it takes a strong person to do what they do.

My kindergarten teacher is the one that made me want to be a teacher when I grew up. My high school English teacher is the one that made me want to be an English teacher when I grew up. I did two semesters in the teaching program in college, but the cards just didn’t line up for me to be a teacher. However, I have friends that are teachers and they are some of the strongest and most dedicated people I know. I will always admire them for what they do. This world needs more people that care for our children and want them to succeed.

COVID changed the teaching landscape permanently for teachers and students. They have had to overcome and adapt to so many new and different challenges. My heart goes out to them all and I admire their perseverance.

Thank you so much to the publisher and authors for a copy of this book as part of the James Patterson Street Team!

[Valerie Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to Little, Brown and Company for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank You, Teachers by James Patterson is a heartfelt and uplifting tribute to one of the most impactful professions out there. Rather than telling one continuous story, the book is a collection of real-life anecdotes and reflections that highlight the dedication, creativity, and resilience of teachers across different classrooms and circumstances.

What makes this book shine is its sincerity. The stories feel genuine and relatable, capturing both the everyday victories and the quiet challenges teachers face. There’s a strong emotional pull throughout—moments that will make you smile, nod in recognition, or even tear up a bit, especially if you’ve ever stepped into a classroom yourself.

The writing is simple and accessible, which works well for the book’s purpose. Patterson keeps the focus on the voices and experiences of educators, making it an easy, quick read that still leaves an impact. At times, though, the structure can feel a bit repetitive since many stories follow a similar pattern, and some readers may wish for deeper exploration or longer narratives.

Still, Thank You, Teachers succeeds in what it sets out to do: remind readers of the profound influence teachers have on their students and communities. It’s a meaningful read that feels especially relevant in today’s world.

Perfect for: educators, former students feeling nostalgic, or anyone who wants a reminder of how powerful a great teacher can be.

#netgalley

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading: Thank You, Teachers by James Patterson and Matt Everymann

This is non-fiction, true stories. Published April 2026 Hardcover standard print format around 290 pages

This was an excellent read👍 So well done. The book is compelled in a format of short, true stories from American’s Teachers!
As a retired teacher, there were just so many of the stories that the memories , heartbreaks ,feelings ,emotions and frustrations, I had experienced and could relate with myself. I read through all of the stories, the one common theme- It’s all about the kids!! 😊no matter what grade level, public or private education, traditional or trade schools, it is about making that connection, helping that child/person reach their goals and achievements with support, understanding, empathy, compassion, and guidance. Which is what I had strived towards everyday in my classroom 💕I miss my kiddos, everyday!

There is also one quote from the author that really stuck out with me in the Author’s Note:

“Sometimes being a leader isn’t about winning. Sometimes it’s about doing what’s right instead of what’s powerful.”

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading 2026
Book 90: Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America’s Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope by James Patterson, Matt Eversmann, Chris Mooney

Listened to this book as it seemed like a follow up to Patteron’s book last year about booksellers and librarians. Also a timely book to read for Teacher Appreciation Week coming up the first week of May.

Synopsis: The son of a teacher himself, James Patterson brings us the real-life stories—the drama, the tragedies, the triumphs—of today's classrooms.

Review: Teachers from all levels K-12, public and private schools, tell their stories of teaching origins and current jobs. Will say that though they are different books with different collaborators, the librarian and bookseller book was better for me. I did not connect to this book, though I am a former teacher myself, as much as I had hoped. Some of the teachers I was cheering for loudly. My rating 3.5⭐️

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You, Teachers is a powerful collection of true stories that captures the joys, challenges, and sacrifices of teaching. As a former elementary teacher, principal, and now university professor, I connected deeply with these experiences. The book highlights relationship-building, meeting students’ needs, managing behavior, and the importance of strong administrative support—while also addressing the pressure of teaching to a test. I especially enjoyed the Audible version, as the multiple narrators brought the stories to life in a very personal way. This is a meaningful book and listen for teachers, future teachers, and anyone who wants to better understand the impact educators make. If you can read this review, THANK A TEACHER. .

[Brindy Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the concept. I absolutely love that this book is all about thanking teachers by reading different teacher's stories of their teaching careers. It makes you realize how selfless and giving they are and how little they receive in return from recognition or financially. It is a job that only the best can do and should do. You take the job focusing solely on making others lives better.

I think about this a lot. That many other careers provide better security and praise when I think teachers deserve all that and so much more. They step in to help raise the children and teach them. They do so much. This book was a good tribute to that.

If you need help seeing how hard teachers work or the sacrifices they make or their goodness, read this book.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann and was so excited when I saw they were doing a teacher edition. Compiled of first hand stories and interviews with teachers from a range of grades, locations and lengths of careers, Thank you, Teachers is a perfect gift for the teachers in your life. As a teacher, of course I enjoyed it, and the themes within definitely pulled on my heart strings and I could easily relate with many of the challenges, and also joyful moments throughout. If you're a teacher, you need to grab a copy, and for non-teachers and those that love us, this is also a must-read to help you see the world we live through day in and out. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

[Gary Burg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not know that James Pattersons mother was a teacher . As the spouse of a middle school educator I was able to relate to this book in certain parts . I have also been lucky enough to be a substitute teaching asst in the same district as my spouse . Each chapter tells a different story about educators in our country and their experiences and interactions . It is more than just teaching . They are friends , mentors , coaches among others to their students . I know firsthand that the day does not end for our teachers after the last bell rings . An excellent book about such an important profession .

[Lori Yvette Fernandez Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s nice to know you’re not alone. It’s nice to know that you’re not alone in being overwhelmed as a teacher. That you’re not the only one banging their head against the wall and struggling. It’s nice to know that you’re not the only one that carries kids with you, long after they aren’t yours anymore. It’s comforting to be able to cry along with people who know what it’s like to see adult horrors in the eyes of a child and understand that sinking helplessness that comes home with you. This was not an easy read, but it was one I needed as I transition into summer and try to reset my nervous system.

[Kimberly Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't what i had expected. I thought it would be all about students being grateful for the wonderful teachers they had in school. I was blessed with several very wonderful teachers along the way. I think i would have been devastated to learn some of the things i learned in this book. It was enjoyable learning the difference some of these teachers made.

As for it being the hardest profession? I disagree. How about the military who signs a blank check to the USA up to and including death? It is, indeed, a noble profession. No denying that.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I knew someone who was considering teaching as a career, this would be a good book to give to him or her as a gift. This a collection of true, but often too brief, stories of how teachers of varied ages and backgrounds fell into teaching or were "called" to teach.

As someone who retired from a career in teaching fourteen years ago, I found the diversity of locations, backgrounds, subject areas, and starting ages very interesting.

As the authors write at the book's beginning, "If you can read this book, thank a teacher."

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would make a fine gift for any teacher. It's a perfect "nightstand book" filled with short, thought-provoking reflections from teachers around the country. Most stories are heartwarming and inspiring, even when the challenges of the profession are laid bare. You can tell the teachers love and respect their students. There's one outlier from a former (thank goodness!) teacher/coach who goes on a rant and disparages "most students" of being "incapable of critical thought..." Without his segment, this book with "hope" in its title would be 5 Stars.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a book of essays written by teachers about the ups and downs of teaching in the American school system. I enjoyed that the job isn't sugar coated. The highs weren't unbelievably great but the lows were outrageously terrible. Just an honest depiction of the good parts and of the struggles with the system. One resounding theme was why they eventually got into teaching - the desire to help/teach the kids.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Shashi21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this book of stories from real teachers, I could relate to them. I was a teacher for 32 years and retired early because the profession had changed so much.
Reading a few of these stories, I felt I could have been the writer
I think anyone who is in the teaching profession and those beginning should read this book.
It is very different from anything James Patterson has put together.

[Nikki Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former teacher, I can relate to many of the stories and sentiments in this one. Should be required reading for everyone. It’s a dying profession that gets tougher by the year. Teachers are the heroes of our society but they don’t get recognized as such. Teaching is truly a profession of passion and quite literally blood, sweat and tears. Loved the short stories from teachers across the country. Read this one quickly.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spotted this book at Walmart and decided to listen to the audiobook on Spotify. Two stars is for the audiobook review. I think James Patterson had good intentions and I always like to read teachers’ perspectives and experiences, but the selected narrators’ voices didn’t match the teachers’ stories. It would have been better if the actual teachers read their own stories. If I read this compilation, I may have given it three or four stars.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a public school teacher in NC for 13 years. This book is a hard one to review. While I love that it was written, I felt like it was lacking in a focus. I think there could have been a better way to present the teachers stories. The stories shared were more like summaries and several of them left me hanging, not letting the reader know what happened to the teacher, student.
I did love that a teacher from my district had a chapter!

[Madisyn Bridgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth Be Told

One of the best and truest books I have ever read. None of the material in this book is sugar coated. It is told from the heart of each person who took part in it. It was refreshing to read and know that so many educators feel the same way and that they were allowed to have their stories told. It was also scary to see that they each told of the negatives going on in education and their hope for help.