Essential reading for parents, teachers and school administrators, Beating the Odds offers insight, guidance and hope for anyone concerned about the plight of young African-American men andthe societies they live in.'-Black Employment Review'Beating the Odds is undoubtedly one of the most important tools the African American parent can possess. For black parents concerned about their son's academic achievement it is crucial reading, as it is for everyone concerned about the general decline in American education.'- the Sun'Can any American look at the dreadful number of young, Black men we are losing and not feel shame and horror? In this fascinating study, often in the words of the young people and families interviewed, we are reminded that every child can and must be given the tools for 'beating the odds.''-Marian Wright Edelman, President, The Children's Defense Fund'Students will still be able to identify with, and hear echoes of themselves in, the individual testimony that forms the bulk of this work.'-Booklist'Beating the Odds offers guidelines as well as specific examples that will be valuable to educators and parents who want to promote excellence in their children.the parents whose voices are heard here offer lessons that can be applied in any family.'-Publishers Weekly'Beating the Odds relates wonderful stories of parents striving successfully to raise academically high-achieving African-American boys who are encouraged to excel in college and subsequently go on to elite graduate and professional schools in mathematics, medicine, science, and engineering.'-Black Issues in Higher Education'Beating the Odds goes beyond mere analysis of relentlessly negative media images to show us precisely how young Black men can succeed despite the debilitating affects of racism, crime as a social and economic alternative, and drugs as a rite of passage. 'Beating the Odds is a thoughtful examination of what parents and others who care for and about African-American males (and all children) can do to ensure that they succeed in school and in life.'-The Washington Post'Beating the Odds is a crucial book.

Beating the Odds by Kenneth I. Maton