A review by sarahrahrah
Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School by Carla Shalaby

challenging funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

This was a fantastic read that challenged my own feelings around classroom management and the so-deemed "troublemakers" in a school/classroom. The vignettes of the 4 children were quick and easy to read, and also so relatable to students I have worked with over the years. The author's letter to teachers and appeal to all readers at the end of the book felt sincere and genuine, and hopeful in that we CAN do the challenging work of imagining a school dynamic that could be, versus continuing to prepetuate the power structures as they are. I agreed wholeheartedly with all of Shalaby's points and arguments. Even so, I found her argument to be overzealous and felt conflicted in my own reflections of how to shift my practices while also still attending to the daily requirements of a whole classroom. I read this book over the course of a week in which I subbed every day, at different grade levels. I observed in myself and others the repeated patterns of exclusion or scolding or otherwise curtailing student's freedom to be. This book really challenged my already broken heart as related to my own burnout and experiences, and the state of public education at large. It was both inspiring and hopeful, while also evoking anxiety and in many ways defeat. How do we honor and uphold all student's freedom and inclusion in the school community, while also meeting the ever-rising demands placed on teachers? How can one teacher possibly shift her classroom "management" to better see and elevate the "troublemakers" while also still being able to teach and to keep a safe learning space for all 25+ kiddos in the room? 

This will certainly be a book I return to and reread often, as I continue to fight for abolition and a community-centric world. I have so many thoughts and reflections and highly recommend this book to every educator, parent, staff, anyone who interacts with young people in our schools