The Freedom Writers Diary

The Freedom Writers Diary (1999) chronicles the journey of students at Wilson High School in California and their English teacher. From their freshman year in the fall of 1994 to graduation in the spring of 1998, the teens learned about and stood up to countless social issues, transforming from so-called “unteachable, at-risk students” into the self-dubbed “Freedom Writers.” Their book recounts their collective experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

• Anyone interested in social change and activism
• Those curious about the original Freedom Writers
• People looking for inspiration in overcoming social and economic obstacles

Erin Gruwell is an English teacher from the United States, best known for her teaching methods and philosophy. She is an activist and speaker focused on teaching tolerance and hope. Her other books include Teach With Your Heart and Teaching Hope.

The original Freedom Writers consist of 150 of Gruwell’s students from Wilson High School in California. As high school students, they grew into dedicated activists, changing the world around them and attending college despite facing incredible obstacles. Together, the Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell have also published Dear Freedom Writers.