Dear Freedom Writer: Stories of Hardship and Hope from the Next Generation

by The Freedom Writers, Erin Gruwell

The students of today tell their stories of adversity and growth in letters to the original Freedom Writers—authors of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Freedom Writers Diary —who write supportive and powerful letters in response.

Over twenty years ago, the students in first-year teacher Erin Gruwell’s high school class in Long Beach, California, were labeled “unteachable”—but she saw past that. Instead of treating them as scores on a test, she understood that each of them had a unique story to tell. Inspired by books like Anne Frank’s diary, her students began writing their own diaries, eventually dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers. Together, they co-authored The Freedom Writers Diary, which launched a movement that remains incredibly relevant and impactful today. Their stories speak to young people who feel as if those around them do not care about their lives, their feelings, and their struggles. They want to be heard; they want to be seen.

In Dear Freedom Writer, the next generation of Freedom Writers shares its struggles with abuse, racism, discrimination, poverty, mental health, imposed borders, LGBTQIA+ identity, and police violence. Each story is answered with a letter of advice from an original Freedom Writer. With empathy and honesty, they address these young people not with the platitudes of a politician or a celebrity, but with the pragmatic advice of people who have dealt with these same issues and come out on the other side.

Through its eye-opening and inspiring stories, Dear Freedom Writer paints an unflinchingly honest portrait of today’s youth and offers a powerful message of perseverance, understanding, and hope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Writing

448 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2022

Reviews

[em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the Freedom Writers (from the book and the movie!), but in a different format. In this book, young people from around the world write letters and each letter featured in the book is answered by a member of the Freedom Writer community. The book in great, and I really appreciated how the letters came from individuals living all over the world, you really get a sense of struggles happening everywhere. It was very eye opening. This took me an extremely long time to get through as the material is extremely heavy. I found the format led to a lot of repetition, which was a bit tedious after awhile of reading. I know the responding letters are uplifting and gave advice, but in most it was hard to differentiate a unique writing style, I found many of them used very similar wording and encouragement, so it was a bit boring to read after awhile. I found it hard to personally relate to many of the struggles in the book, so that aspect made it difficult to read at times as well. All in all, definitely worth a read, very eye opening and an extremely beautiful example of connections being formed around the world. The advice given is lovely! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

Wow. This book was full of tough topics (which I knew it would be), but also full of really great advice. Like the Freedom Writer's Diary, this book is so important for teens. Especially ones struggling with these though topics, as there are never enough books for teens dealing with these situations, let alone ones that offer advice through a lens of already having lived it. While I struggled to get through this, it wasn't because it was bad or poorly delivered or any other reason than I just had to stop and be so grateful that I have never had to go through most of these things. As a librarian who works with teens I feel like reading this has given me a starting point for helping my teens, and understanding what they might be struggling with. Erin Gruwell's teaching continues to inspire and help those that need this advice so desperately.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in grade school when I first learned about The Freedom Writers. Ever since then, I've been obsessed with reading published journals and diaries. Every single person has a story to tell, they just need somebody to listen. That's what Erin Gruwell and The Freedom Writers set out to do in Dear Freedom Writer.

Dear Freedom Writer features letters from people all over the world. They began writing to The Freedom Writers with their issues, ranging anywhere from sexuality, to covid, to wars going on in their own backyard. The Freedom Writers wrote back to each of these people with their own experiences. They offered advice, forgiveness, and a shoulder to cry on. Many of the letters were written by people who were just kids when Ms. Gruwell started teaching in Room 203, which quickly became a sacred oasis for many.

Some of these stories were hard to read, but all of them needed to be heard.

More reviews at A Reader's Diary!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very hard to read. It was incredibly hard to read the trauma and hardships so many of our children suffer. I had to read in chunks.

I have decided that after this, as a therapist, I want to make sure to weave writing into my sessions with clients as a way for them to hear their own voices.

[Ben Moosher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring, the children have such powerful stories and it must mean the world to be so heard by an older generation.

[Elizabeth Higginbotham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Freedom Writer: Stories of Hardship and Hope for the Next Generation by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell. You might have seen this movie from many years ago, but this book consists of letters written my young people in various states of crisis and the responses from Freedom Writers.

It is a troubling glimpse into some of the challenges young people face. Immigration, wars, disabilities, sexual assault as well as dysfunctional families. While the nation is becoming more multi-racial and multi-ethnic, there is still bullying around issues of race. Also struggles with sexual identify and orientation. Some of the economically marginalized young people have many hard roads to cross to gain some independent and feel free. Writing is important. Expressing and sharing your feelings is part of the road to recovery. However, the book gives no indication of follow up. Some letters do offer solid advice, while others just celebrate how far the young person has come. Immigration policies, declining commitments to education and the role of social media make for many obstacles.

[Gaëlle De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Freedom Writer felt like a quiet but powerful reminder of why stories matter — and why showing up, especially when it’s uncomfortable, can truly change lives. These students don’t just reflect on their collective journey; they invite the reader into a broader conversation about empathy, resilience, and the responsibility we all have to listen more deeply to one another.

What I appreciated most is how honest and grounded the book feels. It’s not idealized or preachy — it’s real. The struggles, the doubts, the small wins, and the long road toward impact all feel incredibly human. It made me reflect on my own experiences, the people who shaped me, and the importance of using our voices with intention.

This book is both inspiring and grounding. It reminds you that change doesn’t always come from grand gestures, but from consistency, compassion, and the courage to care. A meaningful read for anyone who believes in education, storytelling, or simply the power of empathy.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got a free copy in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a review. I loved the premise of the book, a new generation of kids writing letters about their challenges and looking for guidance, and that guidance being sent back in a letter from a prior Freedom Writer. The letter and response format seemed great, but in practice, 50 letters and 50 responses were too much. It took me way too long to get through all of the letters. I feel like it would be better if there were fewer letters overall and more detail in the responses. Honestly, it felt a little like I was reading everyone's homework, which was not very motivating for me, the reader. I'm sure it was very helpful for the people writing the letters and the responses. But for me, who reads books to relax, this felt too much like a flashback to school. I'm sure others might love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

[Mary Lehnertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank for the opportunity to read Dear Freedom writer as an advanced reader copy. I loved the movie The Freedom Writers and wanted to be able to read this book. This book has a unique flow. Rather than just chapters, it is written as a letter form from a student from around the world followed by a response from a “freedom writer” that has knowledge or experienced the same or similar circumstances of hardship as a teen. The responses give tremendous encouragement and tales of perseverance to show that no matter what life hands you, you can emerge on top of the situation as a survivor with the advice given from the freedom writers. May this book give hope to the hopeless and inspirational thoughts to heal one’s self and emerge from the darkness of life.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I won a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is an honest review.

This book gave me hope. It is full of some really difficult content and experiences, and it could be super heavy and disheartening. Where I find hope however, is in seeing that students have hope that through writing to a stranger they will be heard, seen, valued, and get feedback and support. I also find hope in seeing adults truly listen to youth, see them as human beings who are doing their best in this difficult world we live in, and don't look on them with pity but with a lens of strength, power, and potential. They respond with care and empowerment. If only all kids had someone who listened to them so deeply and responded so thoughtfully. This book is a good reminder of how that is done.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, touching, real-life delivery.

What a beautiful.and educational read. The timing of my finishing this book, nearly perfect. My Father was "that kind of EDUCATOR". He was in his 80s when I saw the documentary and had to call and tell him I ordered the CD overnight for him. Brought him to tears each time we watched it. He was loved by thousands of students he taught, and believed in and invited each child's own touching story. He recently passed, and this and other educational foundations will definitely be named in his honor. 50 total years of being " that kind of educator". So, thank you for allowing this to be so very real, and all-inclusive touching!!!

[La-Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher, your job is to instruct using grade/content level curriculum with standards that guide each lesson. Equally important, teachers must create a safe space in the classroom to support the whole child. The book “Dear Freedom Writer: Stories of Hardship and Hope from the Next Generation” illustrates the importance of self love, personal voice, and ability to trust (build healthy relationships with a trusted adult) in order for children to feel supported and ready to learn. The book is recommended for anyone who wants to read about personal narratives without judgement.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part about the Freedom Writers is that they're real. They encourage people through their writing. They're from Long Beach, California, and the closest I've ever been to them is Disneyland. My family's from Georgia, and when COVID hit we were living in New Mexico. When things didn't get back to normal in two weeks as originally promised we waited a while and then moved to Greenville, South Carolina.

[Jamie Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being obsessed with The Freedom Writers as a preteen, I absolutely jumped at buying this when I came across it. And it absolutely kept up the heartfelt, strong and hopeful mentality that is Ms. G and Room 203. While I didn’t grow up with the struggles that these kids had, I had my own. And it makes you feel so good to know you’re not alone! The “ONE FAMILY” mentality is carried on in this book from generation to generation. Well done!!!!

[Amy Loughrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to……. I think that is mostly because I didn’t realize what it actually was until I started it. Some of the letters I was sadly able to relate to and others broke my heart. However, the majority of them I felt were the same just different peoples situations. I didn’t Not like it, I just didn’t Like it as much as I’d hoped.

[Jenna Culp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book, have your friends and family read this book, ask your boss to read this book, assign your students to read this book. Everybody needs to read this book.

[Aimee Wathey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so hard to read- such sad hardships these young people are dealing with in their lives. It made me very sad to read to be honest.

[Beyond the Margins Book Club · Rating 2 out of 5]

No one finished this one. It was redundant and not what we were expecting.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the letter about leaving the Mormon faith. This is something I have experienced

[Hannah B Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, following a random urge to write reviews for my “Read” list , I decided to start with this book. A sequel to The Freedom Writers Diary, wherein the original Freedom Writers correspond with and provide advice to a new generation of writers facing similar challenges. The letters give a message of hope, of perseverance, and unwavering reassurance that no matter what you’re going through, you are never alone.