From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice

by Terence Lester

Inspiring the Next Generation to Advocate for Educational Equity

Terence Lester was born into a two-parent household that split because of family conflict. His mother moved him and his sister from place to place while trying to find stability. Internalizing the trauma, Lester turned to gangs, became a juvenile delinquent, was unhoused, and lived out of his car. He dropped out of high school.

But Lester's story doesn't end there. He eventually returned to school, graduated as a fifth-year senior, and defied the odds by earning five degrees, including a PhD in public policy. What made the difference?

In From Dropout to Doctorate, Lester unveils the realities of educational injustice and the profound impact of unjust policies and systems on Black communities. He shows how poverty disrupts the lives of Black families, leading to homelessness and perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline.

A Powerful Personal Story

Drawing from his own personal narrative and scholarly research, Lester names the complex challenges faced by Black children in underresourced and socially dense environments. As a public scholar and nonprofit leader, he advocates for equitable access to advanced education and addresses the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for Black people.

An Advocate's Voice for Change

Through his personal experiences, Lester calls on educators, nonprofit leaders, and community influencers to confront educational inequity and inspire systemic change. His advocacy encourages readers to envision a world rooted in justice and inclusivity. Offering remedies of community involvement and mentorship, Lester marks out a hopeful pathway that cultivates potential and provides opportunities for Black youth to thrive.

For Those Who Believe in a Just Future

This book speaks to those who are ready to champion change and reimagine what is possible for marginalized communities. From Dropout to Doctorate is more than a memoir—it's a call to enact change. This book will challenge you to question the status quo and equip you to make a difference in your community.

If you're ready to join the fight for educational equity and inspire the next generation, pick up your copy of From Dropout to Doctorate today. Will you be the next one to make an impact?

Genres: Education, Race, Social Issues, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Lizzy Brannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I believe that educational challenges are connected to history, and the trauma from that history can affect social living conditions, which in turn creates the environment of educational injustice."

I am not the same. I have studied several texts on the need for applying critical pedagogy in today's classroom. This book is not another rant about the system. It is an informative, scholarly-crafted, personal plea for change, catalogued by personal experience and the historical events that have led us to the educational system we have today.

"When discussing education, it is important to understand that creating pathways to academic success involves more than just providing resources in the form of academic programs. It requires building relationships that can offer encouragement, solidarity, and wisdom, that bring out the best in students, even when their environments suggest this is statistically impossible."

Beginning with a powerful historical foreword by Jemar Tisby, From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice explores the systemic barriers of and solutions for educational injustice through research and storytelling. Dr. Terence Lester not only educates the reader but also encourages us to act and reflect. Throughout the text, we encounter the cause and effect of educational injustice through topics like generational trauma, an educational inequity framework, post-traumatic slave syndrome, collective trauma, segregation stress syndrome, a timeline of racial oppression and resistance, erasure, and the overlap of poverty and trauma. And yet, there is hope. By artistically weaving his personal story throughout the text, Dr. Lester shares how the power of faith in Jesus Christ provided immense healing to the intense trauma he suffered as a child and young adult. He urges administrators and teachers to be educated in cultural literacy and trauma-informed care vs. trauma-informed pedagogy. His four-step approach to higher education and five-step community support model provide a framework for creating environments of healing. Ending each chapter with moments of reflection allows the reader to look in the mirror and evaluate the actions, language, and viewpoints we are choosing, to encourage brave spaces for the oppressed to thrive.

I was in tears several times throughout this book. It really shook me to the core. Dr. Lester's personal journey is inspirational. Powerful. It's a wake-up call for us as a nation and as educators. Every College of Education needs this text.

Thank you NetGalley, Dr. Terence Lester, and InterVarsity Press for this powerful eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Debra Slonek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Centuries of suffocating policies have led to generational poverty. Scarcity in impoverished neighborhoods can lead to suffering, trauma and isolation. Hopelessness can easily set in. In these instances, imagine how hard it would be to dream.

As the author traveled on the path from dropout and hopelessness to Doctorate and hopefulness, the church played a huge role. The Black Church offered guidance, acceptance, encouragement and more. They stayed in close proximity with him and provided a much needed presence in his life. If only every church was a place of restoration and healing…imagine that.

After reading this book, I encourage you to be a part of a community that helps to break down generational poverty, trauma and injustice. Believe in someone when they aren’t able to believe in themselves. If you happen to be a nurturer, don’t just limit your nurturing to your own flesh and blood. If you were given a nurturing nature, you were given space in your heart and your life for other young people who desperately need compassion and encouragement. Go out there and inspire some hope in others.

As you read this important book, I pray that the words will open your eyes and your heart, causing you to recognize and honor the worth of each person around you. I absolutely love the poem at the end of this book. It includes a reference to my favorite Bible verse.

I received complimentary copies of this book from NetGalley and IVP. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fav quotes:

“Proximity, however, can change everything. Proximity with the right, stable people and relationships and the right resources can significantly impact someone’s ability to break the cycle of educational poverty and grow personally in a way that could set them up to finish school.”

“Whether enrolled or no, focusing on education becomes secondary when you cannot envision yourself as someone capable of even completing what is required”

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mix of memoir with well researched information regarding equitable access to education. Dr. Lester effortlessly weaves his own story into his research about the challenges that those in poverty face when it comes to education and the access to higher education. I highly recommend to all, but especially those who are involved in education at all levels.

[Elizabeth Ziegenfus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after hearing Skye Jethani interview Dr. Lester for the Holy Post podcast. Dr. Lester makes a compelling argument for educators and policy makers to be more informed about the traumatic impact of poverty on students. Dr. Lester moves between memoir and insightful research to help the reader understand what is often unseen by educators and unspoken by students sitting in our classrooms. My only disappointment with the book was this-- I was hoping for more specifics regarding trauma induced pedagogy. Perhaps this was an unfair expectation as Dr. Lester's background is in counseling and also public policy. But his book motivates me to seek out resources that can inform my interactions with students in the community college setting in which I teach.

[Claire Bowers-Dingus · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I’ll be honest, I was expecting more of a Bryan Stevenson or Jemar Tisby approach to the modern divides in America, and that’s not what I got. It wasn’t bad, he just used a lot of redundant buzz words and definitions. I think the book could’ve been shortened.

On the positive side, Terence’s reconciliation with his father was touching and beautiful. His resilience was inspiring, and I loved this concept of “proximity.” In order to be involved in our community’s lives, especially those who are poor and marginalized, we must practice this tool. We have to show up, help (whether financially or prayerfully), offer guidance, and refuse to play into the stereotypes of our day. This has given me some good tools as a teacher.

[Faithe · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Dropout to Doctorate by Terence Lester is a story of overcoming systemic barriers.

Terrence and his sister came from a broken home, in an impoverished community. It led him down a path of gangs, problems as a juvenile and eventually homelessness. However, Terrence eventually graduated high school and ended up going on to earn 5 degrees.

I thought this was a great read, it shows that no matter how much is stacked against you, you can succeed even against all odds.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and InterVarsity Press in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

#FromDropouttoDoctorate #NetGalley

[Celina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I define systemic barriers as a set of hindrances, embedded obstacles, social challenges, and designed limitations that are socially constructed to hold back, oppress, or marginalize a vulnerable group of people from resources and opportunities that might give them access to upward mobility.” - Dr. Terence Lester

- Dr. Lester has poured his heart and soul into this book. He faced not only personal tragedy, trauma, poverty, and homelessness, but also educational challenges that could have easily discouraged him from pursuing his academic accomplishments and goals. With his faith and the support of family, he continues to expand his nonprofit, Love Beyond Walls in Atlanta, ministry, author, and community activist. Thank you @imterencelester for your ongoing work and dedication to advocacy. You are truly an inspiration.

[Dee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terence Lester’s From Dropout to Doctorate is a heartfelt disruption of the typical "ivory tower" narrative. Lester doesn’t just share a success story; he deconstructs the psychological and Institutional obstacles that prevent marginalized or struggling students from seeing themselves as scholars. This book serves as a vital bridge between lived experience and academic achievement, proving that one’s history does not have to dictate one’s future.

The book earns a high 4-star rating for its raw honesty and encouragement. It is an essential read for educators, non-traditional students, and anyone who has been told they "don't fit the mold.”

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Chapter-by-Chapter Key Points
Chapter 1- The Incident

- This chapter recounts the pivotal, often painful moment when the academic path was severed. It explores the weight of being "pushed out" rather than just "dropping out.”

Quote: “My childhood, sprinkled with dreams and innocence, was also shadowed by a cloud of history that contained systemic injustices, trauma, terror and fear.”

Reader Question: Consider the many barriers discussed in this chapter the you may have been aware of- barriers that exist right from the start and keep those experiencing the from feeling they could achieve their personal or educational dreams.





Chapter 2- The Fear of a Black Child

- Lester explores the "adultification" of Black children—the way they are often viewed as older, more aggressive, or more dangerous than their peers.

Quote: “The lack of stability in m home, as well as the social conditions and systematic factors of the time, profoundly contributed to my struggles in school. The win turn caused me to be ill-prepared to academics and affected how I felt around people.”

Reader Question: Consider the weight , the emotional heaviness, the challenge of processing complex feelings without guidance, and the impact this might have on your ability to focus in a classroom. Could you have survived school?





Chapter 3 - Aint got no pencil

-Focuses on the intersection of poverty, preparedness, and the hidden shame that often accompanies a lack of resources in the classroom

Quote: “While poverty and trauma are 2 distinct things, substantial research and evidence show that when social conditions are poor, it can hinder growth and development, impact long term health outcomes, increase stress and has been known to cause PTSD”

Reader Question: Can you recall a time when you interpreted a student's lack of preparation or 'bad attitude' as a lack of interest, and how might your approach change if you viewed that behavior as a mask for shame or poverty?





Chapter 4 Dropout by Design?

-Lester moves from the personal shame of lacking resources (discussed in Chapter 3) to a systemic critique of the educational landscape. The question mark in the title is intentional—it asks the reader to consider if the "dropout" is a personal failure or a predictable outcome of a system built with specific barriers. Lester shifts the narrative from "What is wrong with this student?" to "What is wrong with this design?" He asserts that we cannot solve the "dropout crisis" without first acknowledging that the "design" of the system is what's actually producing these results.

Quote: “Understanding the impact of where we live is crucial because location, geography, and access can dramatically shape educational outcomes and opportunities, both positively and negatively.” “Many of the conversations I had only made me question why I would continue to show up at a school when nothing about my education up to that point actually solved any problems and emotions that were swirling inside of me”

Reader Question: If we accept Lester's premise that the system is 'designed' to produce certain failures, what specific part of that design—policy, funding, or cultural bias—do you believe is the most urgent 'gear' to break or replace?







Chapter 5 Without a Roof

- Lester provides a deeply personal and sociological look at the impact of housing instability on a student’s ability to learn. Lester challenges the educational system to recognize that housing policy is education policy. You cannot expect a student to perform at a high level if the most basic rung of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—shelter—is missing.

Quote: “Navigating feelings of isolation, wrestling with depression, and lacking a stable place to call home, make the traditional path to higher education extremely difficult.”

Reader Question:If a school is the only stable environment a housing-insecure student has, how can we transition our schools from being purely 'academic centers' into 'hubs of stability' without overwhelming our teachers?







Chapter 6 Fifth Year Persister

- The "Fifth-Year Persister" isn't someone who failed four years; they are someone who refused to let their past define their finish line. Lester uses this chapter to advocate for flexibility in the educational timeline, arguing that the "standard" four-year track is a privilege that many marginalized students cannot afford.

Quote: “Change starts with everyone realizing the importance of altering the trajectory for those who face barriers to the educational progress."

Reader Question: "We often celebrate 'natural talent,' but Lester celebrates 'persistence.' How would our schools change if we graded students not just on their mastery of a subject, but on their ability to overcome obstacles and continue their pursuit of learning?"







Chapter 7 When Faith Confronts Trauma

-This chapter emphasizes that academic success for a traumatized student isn't just about tutoring or study skills—it’s about inner restoration. Lester argues that to move from a dropout to a doctorate, one must undergo a spiritual and emotional healing process that restores their sense of worth and purpose.

Quote: "It was a small yes that gave me the hope I needed to know my life was worth more than what I had gone through.”

Reader Question: Lester suggests that faith provided him with a new 'identity' that the school system couldn't give him. In your own life or work, how can we help others find a sense of worth that isn't tied to their grades, their job title, or their past failures?







Chapter 8 Work and Worthiness

-Lester addresses the final psychological hurdle of his journey: the internal struggle of feeling like an "imposter" even after achieving the highest levels of academic success. He explores the dangerous tendency to tie our human value to our professional or academic output.

Quote: “Looking back, I can see a clear connection between the pivotal relationships that entered different stages or my life and where I am today.”

Reader Question: Lester struggled with the feeling that he had to 'earn' his right to exist through hard work. How much of your own identity is tied to your 'productivity,' and what would be left if your job or your titles were taken away tomorrow?







Chapter 9 Redemption and the Healing Power of Community

- Lester argues that true healing from systemic and educational trauma cannot happen in isolation—it requires a supportive “village”.

Quote: If “I truly believed that community was the answer, after my won life had been transformed by it, then I knew I had to become that community for those who needed it.”

Reader Question: Lester suggests that we 'heal in community.' Who are the people in your life that serve as a 'mirror' to your potential when you are only seeing your failures, and how can you play that role for someone else today?







Chapter 10 Safe Spaces and Comeback Stories

-Lester concludes that "comeback stories" aren't accidental; they are cultivated in specific environments. If we want more dropouts to become doctorates, we must intentionally design "safe spaces" that offer more grace than judgment and more support than standardisation.

Quote: “It is clear that the concept of creating safe spaces can be found in the text of scripture as Paul writes “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of christ” (Galations 6:2)

Reader Question: Lester argues that a 'comeback' requires a safe space to begin. If you were to look at your current workplace, school, or community, would a 'dropout' feel safe enough there to admit their struggle and start their journey back?



—————————————————————————————


Questions for the Author

In Chapter 4, you argue that the system is 'designed' for certain students to fail. If you were given the power to redesign just one foundational policy in the American public school system tomorrow, which would it be and why?

For those of us who want to be the 'Invisible Hand' (Chapter 7) for a struggling student, what is the fine line between being a helpful mentor and accidentally becoming a 'savior' who robs the student of their own agency?

What does the 'Doctor' version of Terence Lester say to the 'Dropout' version of Terence when he looks back at that teenager who felt he 'ain’t got no pencil'?

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: A personal memoir underscoring the structural obstacles for Blacks in poverty who aspire to advanced education.

Dr. Terence Lester, his sister and mother fled an abusive husband at age five. At age nine, the Rodney King beating at the hands of police deeply traumatized him. Despite his mother’s efforts, Terence joined gangs, became a juvenile delinquent, experienced homelessness, and then dropped out of school when told his grades weren’t good enough to graduate with his class. At one level, this book is a narrative of how Dr. Lester, over twenty years went from high school dropout to earning five degrees including a doctorate in public policy. During this time, he launched Love Beyond Walls, a Christian ministry among Atlanta’s homeless.

This book is about more than an inspiring narrative. It is also an account of the barriers impoverished Black children face in working their way out of poverty. Lester delineates five components of trauma that undercut even the hope of a better life: historical/systemic oppression, injustice/policy, poverty/social conditions, trauma/barriers, and educational injustices.

First, Lester recounts the history of systemic oppression of Black from slavery to the war on drugs and Rodney King. He describes the pervasive impact of poverty as it impacted his life. For example. he scored ten out of ten on the ACEs scale (Adverse Childhood Experiences). He describes the trauma of showing up at school without pencils and in secondhand clothes. However, when educators who are not trauma-informed approach such children, they miss opportunities for support.

He shows the injustices of educational redlining, in which certain districts in poverty areas have substandard funding and resources. Living in proximity with poverty comes with multiple challenges, which Lester enumerates. All these were contributing factors that led to his dropping out. Through the encouragement of a man at a YMCA, friends of his father, his mother, and a teacher who saw his potential, Lester returned as a fifth year senior, and graduated. Around this time, he attended a Bible study and said “yes” to Christ.

He began attending church while working a demeaning warehouse job to earn funds to go on to college. Then a businessman who saw his emerging gifts talked to him about his future and offered to help pay for college, setting him on the road to earn four more degrees, culminating in his doctorate. In addition to directing Love Beyond Walls, he directs the public policy and social change program at Simmons College. Throughout, he chronicles how important was the support of his Christian community and of educators who create safe spaces for the advancement of Blacks and other people of color.

The book also describes the healing the trauma of the broken relationship with his father beginning with a visit to the ICU when his father had suffered a serious stroke. As they continued to talk, his father described the traumas of his own childhood, illustrating the reality of generational trauma. There were apologies and forgiveness, and then his father decided to be baptized.

This book is more than an inspiring personal story. It is also a call to recognize the systemic challenges impoverished Blacks and others face. Lester shows how Christian community and educational support can be so important. But he also underscores the public policies needed to address educational injustices. Sadly, it appears we have opted to believe the playing field is level and without obstacles. Lester’s story does not support that narrative. Rather, he shows how, despite the barriers and the uneven field, he overcame because of substantial personal, financial, and educational support. His story makes me wonder how many others have aspirations like his but struggle to maintain hope that they, too, might one day achieve the status of “Doctor.”

_______________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Elizabeth Rosner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Drop Out to Doctorate" by Dr. Terence Lester is a profoundly moving and essential read that transcends the typical memoir. It's not just a story of personal triumph against incredible odds; it's a powerful manifesto for social change. Dr. Lester's journey from dropping out of high school to earning a doctorate is nothing short of miraculous, but what truly makes this book shine is his unwavering message: the path forward is paved with community involvement and interconnection.

Dr. Lester masterfully weaves his personal narrative with a broader call to action. His own experiences with poverty and homelessness aren't just recounted; they serve as a foundation for his deep empathy and understanding of systemic issues. He doesn't simply highlight the problem; he presents a tangible, actionable solution. The book’s core argument—that individual success is meaningless without lifting up the entire community—is a refreshing and much-needed perspective in a world that often celebrates solitary achievement.


The book's brilliance lies in its relentless focus on interconnection. Dr. Lester's success wasn't a solo mission; it was forged through the support of mentors, the grace of strangers, and his own commitment to serving others. He argues that we are all interconnected, and our collective well-being depends on our willingness to see and support one another. This isn't a theoretical concept for him; it's a lived reality. He provides a roadmap for readers to become active participants in their communities, whether through volunteering, mentorship, or simply showing up for their neighbors.

Ultimately, "Drop Out to Doctorate" is more than a book; it's an invitation to join a movement. It challenges the reader to look beyond their own circumstances and recognize their role in creating a more just and equitable society. Dr. Lester's story is proof that even in the darkest of moments, a path forward can be found through compassion, hard work, and, most importantly, the unwavering belief in the power of community. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who believes in the potential for a better world.

[Matthew Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

One quote that stood out to me was, “[w]e must truly understand the trauma a person has to navigate to overcome their struggles—which is not easy when coming from an environment that seems designed for their structural failure, all while grappling with family dynamics possibly influenced by those conditions.” Too often, we don’t take the time to truly understand. In a day and age with social media, we complain too much and don’t bother to understand.
From Dropout to Doctorate is a powerful memoir and urgent manifesto, merging a story of personal transformation with a broader critique of unjust systems. Lester’s journey—from the margins to the halls of academia—embodies resilience, faith, and unwavering hope to all who read this. Even though I am nothing like Terence, I found myself connecting to his story.
This is more than a personal redemption story—it’s a call to action. Lester urges educators, community leaders, and policymakers to build systems rooted in dignity, mentorship, community, and equity. Even if you are not one of them, you can do something, and Terence is though and gives practical ideas for all of us.
For readers passionate about educational equity, social justice, or the enduring strength of the human spirit, this book is both moving and galvanizing.

[Turanza Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many falter, unable to withstand the weight of the walls that will undoubtedly come crashing down due to the fragile foundation that it was built upon. This unstable ground is by design in a world that will allow one to crumble and go down with it. This is the reality of how many; especially a black boy, have to endure and it can be painful and unshakable through one’s existence. In, From Dropout to Doctorate, Terence Lester, Ph.D first illustrates the research that informs the reader how historical oppression within systems are designed and continue to impact communities for generations. Dr. Lester’s account of his own traumatic experiences, supported by scholarly research, demonstrates how adverse conditions such as poverty and trauma can contribute to how an individual shows up in a world with compounded structural inequalities. This book is written brilliantly to reveal that “every student has a story” Dr. Lester offers a path forward through advocacy and his personal journey, this book teaches, inspires, and challenges how we manage equitable educational access or the lack thereof. I am moved from being not only informed, but to enact.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Dropout to Doctorate is a powerful and deeply inspiring read. Terence Lester shares his journey with honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom, creating a story that is both highly personal and universally relevant. His words remind us that setbacks don’t define us—our perseverance, faith, and willingness to embrace growth do.

What stands out most is Lester’s ability to connect his life experiences with lessons that speak directly to the reader’s own challenges and aspirations. He doesn’t sugarcoat the pain of struggle, but he frames it in a way that brings hope and motivation. This book is not just a memoir—it’s a call to resilience, courage, and believing that your story has value no matter where you start.

For anyone who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or burdened by past mistakes, this book will encourage you to reimagine what’s possible. It is equal parts testimony, inspiration, and practical guide for living with purpose.

I highly recommend From Dropout to Doctorate to students, professionals, and anyone seeking encouragement on the journey of becoming who they’re meant to be. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Terence Lester tells us about his journey from a troubled and traumatic childhood and youth, becoming a gang member and dropping out of school, experiencing homelessness, to eventually finding stability with the help of a church congregation, friends who believed in him, and becoming a family man, a minister, and a non-profit entrepreneur. After a couple of decades, he goes back to graduate school and earns a PhD with a dissertation that focuses on the problems and solutions of people who have been denied the advantages that education can bring. In addition to telling his own story, the book goes into detail about the many challenges that face African Americans today, including the generational trauma they have gotten from racism and its aftermath. It is a good education about the challenges of racism as well as an inspirational story. He chooses to live his life giving opportunities to people like the young man he once was.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From Dropout to Doctorate” is an inspiring story and challenging conversation. As an educator, I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Lester on the impact of trauma on students and how it affects their education as well as the negative impact of standardized testing.

There were points that I felt Dr. Lester did not dive deep enough into the cause of some of the problems that were presented. It felt like systemic racism and white supremacy were always the culprit without digging to find out who is behind it and perpetuating it.

Depending on how you were raised, Dr. Lester has gone through unimaginable struggle. A story that needs to be heard by those that have faced similar challenges. A story that needs to be heard by those that have not. You don’t have to agree with everything that is said, but at least the conversation has begun. This book needs to be read and discussed.

ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dennis Ticen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using a mixture of educational theory and personal stories, Lester makes his case for the way community is desperately needed to overcome racial/systemic injustices and educational inequities. The story continues throughout the book and Lester’s life is a prime example that one man, encouraged and lifted up by his faith and his community, can make it and pursue his dreams. Lester describes his growing up years in detail and the challenges he faced in even getting out of high school. His determination to follow his God-given dream, however, spills out onto others, including his mother (who how has a doctorate) and his father. This is a powerful story with a clear point to make: only through community can we overcome our circumstances, so let’s be the kind of community that moves people forward.

[Carl Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a great way to learn more about the ways that historic injustices have (and continue to) play a role in educational outcomes in black and brown communities. Terence writes very clearly and compellingly about the arc of disinherited American policies and attitudes that have perpetuated achievement gaps within the institution of education. Dr. Lester also provides some helpful frameworks and tools for helping the reader to engage this issue in their own communities. Really thankful for the way that Terence also provides personal stories that help to illustrate how actual people are affected (so that the conversation doesn't just stay in the realm of numbers and statistics). Definitely recommending this to others who are interested in raising the bar for education among those who are most disenfranchised by it.

[Angie Bolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading from Dropout to Doctorate stirred in me what I can only describe as a kind of holy discontent — not anger, not cynicism, but a restless ache for the gap between the gospel I believe and the life I live.

The story is raw and honest, shaped by constant movement and change. What hit me hardest wasn’t just what happened, but what was missing: rootedness, stability, long-standing community. Having spent years around people and places often overlooked — shelters, schools, neighborhoods on the margins — I’ve seen how resilience and deep connection can grow even in scarcity. That strength came to mind again and again as I read.

This book doesn’t tie things up neatly (and I’m glad it doesn’t). It left me unsettled, challenged, and hopeful — reminding me that community is both what breaks us and what saves us.

[Ronda Zents · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Drop Out to Doctorate is the third book I’ve read by Dr. Terence Lester, and it exceeded my expectations for how it would challenge my mind, move my heart, and ignite my spirit. Terence is a truth teller, an authentic voice of scholarship who has real, proximate relationships with those he is championing. He shares his own story with vulnerability and hope and lifts up the stories of others to promote the understanding and compassion that everyone deserves. His research on housing policies and educational reform help explain “the ongoing journey of overcoming that defines so much of the Black experience in America” (17). Each of the book’s ten chapters ends with a moment of reflection that serves not to judge the reader, but to help them find their own understanding of the issues and be empowered as change makers in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities.

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Dr. Terence Lester for years now and have been so excited to read this book. Dr. Lester's story is more than just inspirational. It will open your eyes to the trauma that exists in poverty, children and how it relates to education. Homelessness is not only prevalent in our country, but I see it in my own city. Dr. Lester shares how open educational opportunities to the unhoused can and will help them flourish. We need to create and be the community that others need. My favorite quote in the book came from Dr. Lester's father..."They took away some laws that discriminated, but thy did not take it from the hearts of those who stood by the law." An important lesson and reminder for what we continue to see happening in our country today.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Dropout to Doctorate is a powerful and deeply personal read. I love how Terence Lester opens up about his own journey in such an authentic way it makes the book not only inspiring but also relatable. Beyond his story, the book sheds light on the real-life injustices and barriers so many people face when trying to pursue an education. Terence doesn’t just talk about the challenges; he gives a voice to those who are too often unheard and gives us challenges in the book to stop and reflect on his words and how we can take part in solutions to these injustices. His resilience, dedication, and commitment to change make him a true role model. This is a must-read for anyone who believes in the transformative power of education.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the hopes of gaining perspective on the educational barriers Black men and women face due to systemic racism. I knew the barriers existed, but that was about the extent of my knowledge. This book did not disappoint; I learned more than I expected and thoroughly enjoyed it along the way.

I am so thankful for Dr. Terence Lester sharing his story and his expertise in this thoughtful, well-written book so that I could gain a deeper understanding of what those barriers are, the effects they have on youth, and what I can do about it. And it is the perfect mix of memoire/education for my taste, as well. I loved how Dr. Lester was vulnerable in sharing his story, while also tying his story to relevant research and resources so the reader can dive deeper into any given point.

Overall, this book is a fantastic resource for educators in particular, but also for anyone who just wants to understand the educational barriers Black men and women face, and what needs to be done about it.

[Sonya Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lester does a good job of explaining how educational injustice has developed over time. He invites the reader into his world by sharing his personal experience, and he provides evidence that prove the educational disparities in minority communities are a serious problem.

I am inspired after reading this book to be a part of the solution when it comes to ending educational injustice. I am thankful for the reminder that as a part of God's Church, I am called to "seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God." This book is an excellent resource for personal development, for educators, for and anyone who wants to serve their community well.

[Dawn Dumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lester weaves his own story into this book to make the research on poverty and education he shares personal. He also provides ways to consider the impact of our structures on individuals and families and offers strategies to tackle the issues, giving hope in what can seem like a hopeless situation. In a time where our society seems to be backsliding away from kindness and care for one another to cruelty and apathy, this book gives a path we can follow to "overcome evil with good" by providing ways to bring justice and care to poverty and education.

[Jeff Hilimire · Rating 5 out of 5]

"From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice" by Terence Lester is an inspiring memoir about overcoming educational barriers and systemic injustice. Lester’s story of perseverance and hope, rising from homelessness to earning a doctorate, is as inspiring as it is proof that one can rise above any challenge.

This book is full of impactful insights, and I found myself making several highlights throughout—proof of how much it resonated. Essential reading for anyone seeking a candid look at educational inequity and the power of resilience.

[Monica DiCristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through his story, Dr. Terence Lester shows that transformation is possible—not only for individuals, but also through the creation of educational spaces and communities that are trauma-informed and dedicated to eliminating barriers preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. This book is both educational and deeply inspiring, an essential and timely read. This book reads like a memoir, and educates like a textbook. Highly recommend!

[Joel Wentz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid book, and a unique blend of personal memoir with academic reflection on systemic issues. Lester's story is amazing, and I actually would have liked a bit more of his memoir (the book is closer to 70% academic and 30% memoir). His reflections are helpful and would be a good intro to people who haven't given these ideas much thought.

Full video review here: https://youtu.be/8RRDroBvHGE

[LaSha Weatherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terence Lester is all about fixing unfairness in schools. He wrote this awesome book, "From Dropout to Doctorate," about helping kids deal with tough stuff like being poor, dealing with bad experiences, and all the roadblocks society puts up. It shows how amazing things can happen when someone gets noticed, gets help, and has people believe in them.

[Rachael Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Terence beautifully weaves a tapestry of his life and the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities for Black people in America. By connecting trauma, policy, and poverty, he emphasizes the importance of combating educational injustice and unjust policies through community, mentorship, scholarship, and above all, love. This book is a MUST-READ for EVERYONE.