Essay on Review of Ordinary Resurrections by Jonathan Kozol

Review of Ordinary Resurrections by Jonathan Kozol In his book, Ordinary Resurrections: Children in the Years of Hope, Jonathan Kozol pulls back the veil and provides readers with a glimpse of the harsh conditions and unrelenting hope that exists in a community located in the South Bronx called Mott Haven. Mr. Kozol provides his own socially conscious and very informative view of the issues facing the children and educators in this poverty ravaged neighborhood. Just his commentary would paint a very bleak picture of the future. It is the words of the children that give this book optimism and meaning. The courage and care exhibited by the volunteers of St. Anns after school program and the creativity of the teachers at P.S. 30†¦show more content†¦Kozol describes an intimate conversation with a group of children in the sanctuary of St. Anns in which several of the children reveal that they miss their fathers who are in prison. One of the children, Elio, even fibs about his father coming home the following week. Later he admits that this is not true but will not admit where his father actually is. During his time in the Mott Haven community, Kozol, at times, served as a father figure for the children who yearn to share what is in their hearts with their own fathers. Kozol eloquently describes his role, I once told another man I know, who fills a role somewhat like mine among the children, that I felt we were like gleaners in the Bible, not in fields of grain but in a field of love that cant be harvested by those to whom the love rightly belongs. (Kozol 130). There are other men living in Mott Haven that also fill that void. Several members of St. Anns parish offer supervision and support. Other men direct athletic programs giving boys and young men an outlet and alternative to destructive activities. Still, this involvement cannot quench the desire that the children express to be with their own fathers. Kozol points out that it is the women of the community that play a more consistent role in caring for and nurturing the children. Kozol quotes one of the men as saying Women hold up the sky in this neighborhood. (Kozol 131). Mother Martha is the priest ofShow MoreRelatedReview of Ordinary Resurrections by Jonathan Kozol Essay2135 Words   |  9 PagesIn his book, Ordinary Resurrections: Children in the Years of Hope, Jonathan Kozol pulls back the veil and provides readers with a glimpse of the harsh conditions and unrelenting hope that exists in a community located in the South Bronx called Mott Haven. Mr. Kozol provides his own socially conscious and very informative view of the issues facing the children and educators in this poverty ravaged neighborhood. Just his commentary would paint a very bleak picture of the future. It is the words