Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1134252 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:36:52 GMT Sat, 8 Aug 2015 02:58:29 GMT Copyright © 2015 Chi Sigma Iota Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1134252 https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1134252 Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation

Book Being Reviewed:
Kozol, J. (1995). Amazing grace: The lives of children and the conscience of a nation. New York: Crown.

Reviewer:
Tiffany Stoner-Harris

Genre:
Non-Fiction - Adult

Subject Headings:
Multicultural/Cross-Cultural Issues, Poverty-Urban, Social Justice

Review:
Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation examines the plight of inner city youth and their families, as the author observed and documented encounters with several individuals from the South Bronx, New York. The author examined some of the social ills that people from the community are routinely faced with, what allows them to be resilient in their current circumstances, and ultimately the nuances that distinguish this particular community from other communities. The author was able to establish relationships with specific children, individuals, and families within the community, and follow them through their journey of survival over a period of years. The author attempted to rationalize and comprehend some of the daily interactions, events and circumstances that occurred. By the end of the book it appeared that the author’s focus shifted, and through his immersion in the community he seemingly began to see the people and their experiences in a more genuine and personal light.

This book would be useful for the practicing counselor seeking self-knowledge, and the counselor educator preparing counseling students to increase their awareness and knowledge of counseling diverse groups (social economic status, minority groups, faith based, incarcerated populations, etc.). This book would allow for a glimpse inside some of the experiences and lifestyles of inner city children, individuals or families living in poverty and facing obstacles unlike others outside of their community. This book would be useful in understanding challenges faced in an urban community, as well as some of the strengths that promote hope and resiliency in seemingly desolate situations.
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