# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Freedom Writers' Diary was never extensively prohibited. However, in 2008, a teacher was suspended for teaching it. Her school board was outraged by the book's use of profanity and sexual material. They felt that its inclusion of foul language contributed to an atmosphere that was detrimental to the development of our children.

Furthermore, several communities have passed resolutions condemning the book because they believe it promotes violence against teachers.

Finally, many stores won't carry the book because they feel it's inappropriate material for young readers.

In conclusion, The Freedom Writers' Diary was banned because of its content - specifically, its use of profanity and sexual material. There are many other books with similar themes available for young readers that are not subject to the same restrictions. If you want to read more about this topic, check out our Banned Book Week page.

Why were freedom writers created?

The Freedom Writers Diary was comprised of notebooks in which Erin Gruwell instructed her pupils to write about their problems in the past, present, and future. The diary has become a landmark work for young adult literature, inspiring many authors to write their own stories featuring main characters who are struggling with issues such as bullying, addiction, divorce, sexual identity, and more.

Freedom Writers was written by American author: David Levithan. It was published by Dutton Children's Books in October 2009. The book is about a young girl named Abby who lives with her family in Greenwich, Connecticut. One day, she finds a notebook in the street that apparently belongs to one of her classmates, Walter Finch. When she returns the book to Walter, they form a friendship that changes their lives forever.

Walter is known as the "Queen of Mean" at his school for picking on others and for being cruel to animals. He tells Abby that everyone else at his school is mean too, but she believes him when he says he isn't. This makes them unique friends who know exactly what it's like to be the only one not involved in any fights or acts of violence.

Through letters they write to each other every week, Abby learns that Walter has been having similar problems at home and at school.

Is Freedom Writers a true story?

It is based on the 1999 book The Freedom Writers Diary, written by instructor Erin Gruwell and students at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California, who created the book out of genuine diary entries about their life that they wrote in their English class. The book was published by Simon & Schuster and has been translated into 31 languages.

Their mission was to get kids interested in reading and writing by having them write a diary every day for four years while learning how to argue using logic and evidence from books they read together. By doing this, they hoped to inspire these kids to be creative writers when they grew up.

After one year, the school went through a major change when it was decided that instead of teaching English as a second language, all classes would now be taught in English. This meant that the freedom writers training program was now obsolete and could no longer be paid jobs. However, since there were still many free days during the week, Ms. Gruwell decided to use those days to teach her students lessons regarding writing skills and the publishing industry through role plays and discussions.

Ms. Gruwell told ABC News that because most of her students came from poor families, she designed her own version of a scholarship program so that they could continue writing even though they could not be paid. She said that she wanted them to feel like authors even if nobody else did.

Who are the main characters in The Freedom Writers' Diary?

Erin Gruwell, Zlata Filipovic, Miep Gies, and the freedom writers are the major protagonists of The Freedom Writers Diary. Erin Gruwell is a young, passionate teacher who uses creative teaching tactics and personal writing to engage with at-risk children. She has founded a non-profit organization called The Freedom Writers which provides free homework help and diary entries for teenage students to record their thoughts and feelings.

Gruwell's story begins when she takes a position as a high school English teacher at a failing charter school in Oakland, California. There she finds that many of her students come from low-income families and have little or no connection to the traditional education system. To reach these kids, Gruwell changes up how they learn by using fiction writing as a tool to connect with their experiences and encourage them to be active participants in their own learning.

After just one year, the Freedom Writers program has become so successful that it has spread to four other cities across the United States. Now aged 22, Gruwell continues to write about her experiences working with teenagers as well as give lectures around the country on how to transform your classroom into a stimulating environment where students feel motivated to learn.

Filipovic was born in Serbia but grew up in Canada and France.

How many pages is The Freedom Writers' Diary?

The Diary of the Freedom Writers

Why is Freedom Writers rated PG-13?

The film "Freedom Writers" is classified PG-13 (parents strongly cautioned). There is some gun violence as well as some mature language.

The story is set in a fictional public high school in Baltimore. It follows four students as they form a writing workshop to help other children write better essays. The group becomes known as the "Freedom Writers."

They meet after school at the community center and work for two hours a week each yearning to advance beyond simple spelling and math drills. The students learn about the history of activism and struggle in America and develop skills that are useful in today's society.

This movie is recommended for 13 years old and up due to some intense scenes with gun violence, drug use, and language that may not be suitable for young viewers.

It premiered on Netflix on August 25, 2011.

So, if you're looking for a good movie to watch with your family then "Freedom Writers" is an amazing choice. It has been praised by many critics who have seen it, so you should give it a try!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why was The Freedom Writers' Diary banned?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is based on the 1999 book The Freedom Writers Diary, written by instructor Erin Gruwell and students at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California, who created the book out of genuine diary entries about their life that they wrote in their English class.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Walden University: An Interview with Erin Gruwell

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
150 Students Go From "Unteachable" to Best Sellers

The Freedom Writers journey began in 1994 when Erin Gruwell taught English to 150 at-risk students in Long Beach, CA. With the use of Gruwell's engaging teaching techniques, 100% of her students, affectionately known as the Freedom Writers, graduated from high school, became co-authors of the New York Times bestselling book, The Freedom Writers Diary, and exceeded expectations by pursuing higher education and advanced degrees. In order to replicate the success she had with her students, Gruwell founded the Freedom Writers Foundation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
150 Students Go From "Unteachable" to Best Sellers The Freedom Writers journey began in 1994 when Erin Gruwell taught English to 150 at-risk students in Long Beach, CA.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Freedom Writers (4/9) Movie CLIP - I Am Home (2007) HD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Meet Manny | Manny Scott

Meet Manny - Manny Scott

An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, Manny Scott has energized more than two million educators, students, and leaders worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope.

On the road up to 300 days a year for the past two decades, Manny Scott has delivered over 2,000 presentations, and is the speaker of choice for conferences, conventions, PD days, fundraisers, and banquets.

Manny has a gift: the ability to connect with, hold the attention of, and energize all kinds of audiences. From inner-city youth to business executives, Manny has learned to speak, and command, the language of his audiences with relevant, riveting, and compelling messages, moving them from cheers, to laughter, to tears, and go-forward determination.

By age 14, Manny's story was almost over:

His father was incarcerated, he missed 60-90 days of school annually from 4th to 9th grade, he dropped out of school at age 14, he lived in 26 places by age 16, and his best friend was brutally murdered. Sensing that the end of his life was near, Manny sat down on a park bench, and considered how he would make others feel the depth of despair and anger roiling in his soul. He says, "When I look back, I now see that I was heading down a path that would have destroyed me."

But Something Powerful Happened

Then, a man-a complete stranger-took a risk, and sat down beside Manny. That man connected with him, encouraged him, and inspired him to write a different story-to create a new life.

Original Freedom Writer

That day, on a park bench, Manny Scott turned the page. He returned to school with a new attitude and purpose, and ended up in the back of Erin Gruwell's English class-a group now known worldwide as the Freedom Writers, portrayed in the hit MTV movie.

In his journal, Manny began writing-and dreaming about-new, more fulfilling chapters in his life- chapters filled with healing, hope, perseverance, and possibility.

Through very hard work, and with the help of others, Manny has achieved many of the dreams he wrote about in his journal.

Scholar

Manny graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with degrees in Political Science and Rhetoric. He also graduated from Trinity International University with a Master of Divinity.

Furthermore, Manny is currently conducting extensive and original research for his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Intercultural Studies (with a minor in Education) so that he can develop a unified, grounded, theoretical explanation of the processes through which effective educators and communicators go to develop intercultural competence (the ability to speak and behave in ways that are effective and appropriate, based on awareness, understanding, and skills).

Speaker

Manny is one of the nation's most sought-after speakers ( CLICK HERE to see nearly 100 high-quality video testimonials from superintendents, principals, teachers, and others about Manny's impact on educators and students).

Through The Power of One, How to REACH Youth Today, Becoming Interculturally Competent, and his unique Turn the Page school-wide assemblies, Manny has helped thousands of schools and organizations raise student achievement, intercultural competence, and leader efficacy in 49 states and on six continents; and, he has helped prevent thousands of dropouts and suicides.

Family Man

Most importantly, Manny is a family man. He has been married to his college sweetheart for 18 years. They are raising three children together. When Manny is not speaking, traveling, or conducting research, he is spending quality time with his family.
Through very hard work, and the loving help of educators, Manny has broken the cycle, and achieved the dreams that he used to dream about. Click HERE to see what leaders have said about Manny's impact.

Coach for Aspiring Education Speakers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Meet Manny | Manny Scott Meet Manny - Manny Scott An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, Manny Scott has energized more than two million educators, students, and leaders worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Freedom Writers (6/9) Movie CLIP - Paco Did It (2007) HD