Illiterate America - Softcover
It is startling and it is shaming: in a country that prides itself on being among the most enlightened in the world, 25 million American adults cannot read the poison warnings on a can of pesticide, a letter from their child’s teacher, or the front page of a newspaper. An additional 35 million read below the level needed to function successfully in our society. The United States ranks forty-ninth among 158 member nations of the UN in literacy, and wastes over $100 billion annually as a result. The problem is not merely an embarrassment, it is a social and economic disaster.
In Illiterate America, Jonathan Kozol, author of National Book Award-winning Death at an Early Age, addresses this national disgrace. Combining hard statistics and heartrending stories, he describes the economic and the human costs of illiteracy. Kozol analyses and condemns previous government action—and inaction—and, in a passionate call for reform, he proposes a specific program to conquer illiteracy.
One out of every three American adults cannot read this book—which is why everyone else must.
In Illiterate America, Jonathan Kozol, author of National Book Award-winning Death at an Early Age, addresses this national disgrace. Combining hard statistics and heartrending stories, he describes the economic and the human costs of illiteracy. Kozol analyses and condemns previous government action—and inaction—and, in a passionate call for reform, he proposes a specific program to conquer illiteracy.
One out of every three American adults cannot read this book—which is why everyone else must.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
JONATHAN KOZOL is the author of Death at an Early Age, Savage Inequalities, Amazing Grace, and other award-winning books about young children and their public schools.
Review:
“Stunning... with passion and eloquence Kozol reveals a devastating truth... and offers a challenge and remedy.”—Studs Terkel
“A call to action, a manifesto... His enthusiasm renews our energies for the struggle before us, and gives welcome support to those committed to the notion that universal literacy and education are necessary for living a richer, better informed life.”—Joseph S. Murphy, New York Times
"Kozol... has assembled facts, rebuttals, and proposals—in an emotionally potent, ethically charged package."—Kirkus
“A call to action, a manifesto... His enthusiasm renews our energies for the struggle before us, and gives welcome support to those committed to the notion that universal literacy and education are necessary for living a richer, better informed life.”—Joseph S. Murphy, New York Times
"Kozol... has assembled facts, rebuttals, and proposals—in an emotionally potent, ethically charged package."—Kirkus
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherPlume
- Publication date1986
- ISBN 10 0452258073
- ISBN 13 9780452258075
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages270
- Rating
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Book Description Condition: Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: NONE ] [ Edition: First ] Publisher: Plume Pub Date: 3/1/1986 Binding: Paperback Pages: 270 First edition. Seller Inventory # 6109300
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Book Description Condition: Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Seller Inventory # T14E-01164
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Illiterate America
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Prompt shipment, with tracking. we ship in CLEAN SECURE BOXES NEW BOXES First edition. Very good pages a little tan. Seller Inventory # Bing59116
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Prompt shipment, with tracking. we ship in CLEAN SECURE BOXES NEW BOXES very good-used book. Back cover little nicked. Seller Inventory # bing7806528
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(1986)
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Book Description 1. Auflage. XVII, 270 S. Ill. Orig.-Broschur. - Rücken etwas nachgedunkelt und mit Lesespur; hinterer Deckel mit kleiner Randläsur. Papier altersbedingt gebräunt. Ansonsten gut erhaltenes Exemplar. Innen sauber. Seller Inventory # 077127
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