In a Silent Way

• Urban schools and communities of color have long been in a state of chronic crisis, giving rise to the need for fundamental change; this novel focuses on student- and community-centered ways to transform urban education to meet the real needs of young people. • The majority of students in urban America are taught by white, middle-class women; this novel illustrates how upending traditional power relations within urban schools can create real change. • Social movement organizations inevitably suffer from the same issues of racism, sexism, classism, ageism, power and elitism which they are attempting to overcome in the broader community; this novel reveals these internal dynamics in the most personal of ways and why those who have been most marginalized have the insight and experience needed to help lead the movement. • Throughout history, women of all backgrounds have experienced sexual exploitation, isolation and silencing in social movements; this novel illustrates such movement sexploitation, the personal and political harm it causes to all concerned, and gives the novel it’s title, In a Silent Way, that speaks to the inherent power and dangers of women’s silence.