Among Schoolchildren book cover

Among Schoolchildren by Tracy Kidder Summary

Among Schoolchildren
Tracy Kidder
3.96 (2686 Reviews)
Education
Memoir
Inspirational

Step into a fifth-grade classroom where Tracy Kidder's Pulitzer-winning storytelling reveals education's hidden battlegrounds. This immersive journey through socioeconomic divides and small victories has transformed how we understand teaching, inspiring generations of educators facing America's most profound educational challenges.

About the author

John Tracy Kidder, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of *Among Schoolchildren*, is a master of literary journalism renowned for immersive narratives that humanize complex systems. A Harvard and University of Iowa graduate, Kidder’s work blends meticulous reporting with novelistic depth, influenced by pioneers like John McPhee and George Orwell. *Among Schoolchildren* (1989), part of his exploration of institutional dynamics, chronicles a year in a fifth-grade classroom, reflecting his fascination with ordinary lives under extraordinary pressures. Kidder’s groundbreaking *The Soul of a New Machine* (1981) — a Pulitzer and National Book Award winner — revolutionized tech journalism, while *Mountains Beyond Mountains* (2003), a New York Times bestseller, spotlighted global health through Dr. Paul Farmer’s humanitarian work. His other acclaimed works include *House* and *Home Town*, which dissect American domestic life and community identity. With over four decades of accolades, Kidder’s books have sold millions and shaped nonfiction writing. *The Soul of a New Machine* remains a tech-industry classic, and *Mountains Beyond Mountains* inspired a documentary, amplifying its impact. Resident in Massachusetts and Maine, Kidder continues to craft stories that bridge empathy and insight.

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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starstarstarstarstar

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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comments12
likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments201
thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar

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