Stray dogs, saints, and saviors - Alexander Russo

"In Alexander Russo's talented hands, school reform is not boring. His book has drama, tension, danger, heartbreak, and joy. It will be impossible for you to put it down."

Jay Mathews, Washington Post education columnist and author, Work Hard. Be Nice.

"Russo weaves together fascinating anecdotes and lively descriptions of the people and events that helped turn Locke from a failing school to one of hope and survival."

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers

"A gripping tale of challenge, hope, disappointment, success, scandal, and persistence in the school–reform maze, penned by a deft and knowledgeable writer."

Chester E. Finn, Jr., senior fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University and president, Thomas B. Fordham Institute

"Russo brings it alive in one high school trying to come back from the dead it's a compelling view of the most critical domestic issue of our time."

Jonathan Alter, Newsweek columnist and author, The Promise: President Obama, Year One

"Russo gets past piety and politics and gives us a valuable look at the people who try, fail, and try again to help kids succeed in education."

Peg Tyre, author, The New York Times bestseller The Trouble With Boys

"Russo threads the needle between healthy appreciation for Green Dot's impact on improving kids' lives and hard–nosed skepticism about the 'new' Locke's impact."

Greg Toppo, education reporter, USA Today