This book was fantastic - I loved hearing about Nadia Lopez's journey through education and as a leader. As someone who grew up in NYC Public Schools and is going into Public Education (in NYC), I loved hearing her perspective and gaining insight into the ways in which she has run her school.

Fantastic book for anyone - educator, parent, student, citizen - who wants insight into public education.

I first saw this story on Humans of New York, like most people, and was so inspired then by Ms. Lopez and her school. Even though I am always a little afraid of being "Three Cups of Tea"d when I read this sort of book, I can't really find anyone who DOESN'T think this is an amazing story. If we could clone this woman we could improve education by leaps and bounds. Love the story, love Ms. Lopez. My only concern--she admits to doing almost nothing but work--every day, all day, into the night. This doesn't necessarily seem like a sustainable model that can be reproduced across the country. Still, an amazing story. Not to be missed.

This book was a huge reminder why I got out of NYC. I love teaching--- and I love(d) my students with a passion, especially the tricky ones--- I enjoyed meeting them, getting to know them and figuring out how to help them and get them to read and question--- so when I saw this book announced on Humans of New York, I thought that this would be a great addition to my brain.
But then....then I actually picked up the book....and was reminded of exactly why I left the NYDOE.
This principal comes off so arrogant and condescending...I wanted to throw the book at her. She contradicted herself so many times--- No one should be in it for the money (but then brought up teacher salaries to prove why they needed to provide better service). A school is made up of great teachers--- and staff, but yet....she was the only one making the school so awesome. Only certain students were allowed on the Harvard trip--- those that had earned it, yet she allowed a student who had been a problem because she knew he needed it (what about the other kids who hadn't earned it, did they not need it). She also brought up how much teachers get paid for over time--- and I almost spit out my coffee....I worked at least 70 hours a week and NEVER got any overtime (the DOE would go bankrupt!). I get her intention....but she needs to take a step back and remind herself that she is not the ONLY one making that school work --- and that teachers are not the bad guys. Also--- she was exactly my pet peeve as a teacher--- meaning she taught for only a handful of years--- and then became a principal. I feel like principals should have to be a teacher for a certain amount of years (10??) so that when they become principal they remember and have walked the walk for long enough that they are credible. But, alas, I need to stop ranting.
I do not recommend this book--- it was poorly written with an arrogant tone and I found that the only thing I learned from the book was that I do not miss people like her in the industry....I do miss my colleagues and my students.
Read? Nah, there are better education/teacher books out there. Don't bother with this one.

This book is the encouraging story of how Nadia Lopez, a life long educator, opened and became the principal of her own Brooklyn school. She was inspired by her students to create the school, and suddenly found herself in the national spotlight while she met with President Obama and the beneficiary behind a campaign to fund the school. All it took was one post on the popular site Humans of New York for her to get noticed. This book is the story of how Mott Hall Bridges Academy came to be.

For anyone who loves education, HONY, and inspirational stories, this is the book to read.

I found this book inspiring, heartwarming and empowering. Every teacher with an identity crisis should read this and remind oneself that we do he’ll of an important job!!! I will return to bridge to brilliance many times in my life i think.

4.5 stars. This is a good book, with just a few "slow" spots. Even though I'm not a teacher, I'm obsessed with books about education. I graduated from college long ago and I miss it. I'm always tempted to go back to school to get my teaching certificate, and this book made those feelings stronger. Ms. Lopez is an inspiration. The book made me think about and feel for all the kids who live in and attend school in underserved communities. It's easy to get lost in your own privilege and forget about those who can be killed just by going to a library that's not in their own "territory." My son attends a high school where every student is given a laptop while, just a few miles away, kids are going to schools that don't have enough books. My son and his friends can hop on their bikes and ride to a Chinese restaurant and sit down and eat a nice meal, while, just a few miles away, there are kids who can't even walk home without the fear of being shot. This book is a wake up call, both heartbreaking and hopeful. The kids who attend Mott Hall live in poverty and struggle every single day but, at the same time, they are blessed to have a principal who cares about them deeply and will do anything to make sure they succeed. Every school needs a Ms. Lopez.

The smallest action can change a life. I already knew about Ms. Lopez from HONY back in 2015. I knew she had put in years of hard work and she was at her breaking point. I knew she had change hundreds of lives for the better.

What I didn't know were the stories of Jessica. Of Malik. Of Antonne. Of taking the kids on a walk through Vassar profoundly effected them. How some of the children can't even go to the library for fear of getting shot.

Needless to say, if you are feeling sorry for yourself about school, are looking for some inspiration, or want to know how you can Help the world? This is a damn good place to start.


My only issue with the book was how it was written. I felt like it could have been organized better, but it didn't deter me from devouring this book.

I really appreciated this honest look at what it took for Ms. Lopez to invest herself in her community. I've found a lot of books illicit a "yeah sure, in a perfect world" from me, but this one seemed more legit. I felt more inspired that jaded about the ideas and method.

A free copy was given in exchange for an honest review.