Stand and Deliver

by Nicholas Edwards, Ramon Menendez, Tom Musca

Based on the critically acclaimed movie, this story chronicles the work of teacher Jaime Escalante, recounting the inspiration and care he gave to troubled Los Angeles teenagers

Genres: Fiction

118 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

About the author

Nicholas Edwards is a pseudonym for Ellen Emerson White.

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based on the movie, and the movie is based on a true story, so that means basically that it will qualify as . . . fiction.

I don't remember the movie but read this novella today while I was waiting for something else, and I did not find it particularly convincing. The basic story may be true, but the tactics of that math teacher (to me at least) did not seem destined to succeed.

Of course I could be wrong — as has happened so many MANY times before.

Do young people like this book, are they inspired by it? I have no idea.

[Katelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a math version of Freedom Writers.

[Donna Maccaroni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it with my eighth graders. They liked it. It is simplistic and written after the movie.

[elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

not many thoughts on this book. still a pretty good book and a short read

[Molly Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

quick read! wish it were a bit longer, but I enjoyed it! very inspired by mr escalante! gonna have to watch the movie now :)

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Escalante goes to Garfield High School in the barrio of Los Angeles for his first day of teaching. Thinking that he will be teaching computer science, he is surprised to find himself teaching math. Mr. Escalante soon realizes that the students are, for the most part, tough slum kids who are unimpressed by him or math. The second day of school he comes dressed in a MacDonald's' chef's hat and apron and proceeds to chop an apple in pieces with a meat cleaver. As much as they try to resist, the students begin to take notice of Mr. Escalante as a teacher and as a person. When he starts teaching his basic mathematics students algebra, they think he's crazy but they go along. Then, Mr. Escalante learns that Garfield is about to lose its accreditation. One of the problems is incredibly low math scores. He feels that he can change that and tells the math department head and the school principal that he is ready to teach his basic math students calculus. In fact, he will prepare them to take the Advanced Placement Test for Calculus. Mr. Escalante teaches his students "ganas" or desire. He inspires them to heights of achievement they, and no one else, thought possible. All eighteen pass the test, but the Educational Testing Service challenges the scores implying that someone cheated. The students have no choice but to take the test again.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an inspiration. It will make you angry, fill you with hope, make you laugh and make you cry as you cheer on a group of Hispanic students who only want a way to make a better life. Racism and hatred are an everyday part of life, but a teacher shows the kids things can gt better by being their biggest champion.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Very basic writing. I guess it is based on the movie instead of the other way around. But I love the story.