The Class

Praise

“A complex portrait of the ups and downs of teaching in a culture that undervalues what teaching delivers.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Captivating . . . Journalist Tesoriero left her job at CBS News to embed herself in Bramante’s classroom for the academic year, and she does this so successfully, a reader forgets she is even there. Her skill at drawing out not only Bramante but also the personal lives, hopes and concerns of these students is impressive. Clearly, she created a level of trust that enabled her to tell their stories so honestly and compellingly. . . . It is a fascinating glimpse of a teaching environment that most public school teachers will never know.”—The Washington Post

“Schools matter. The teachers inside those schools matter. The Class shows us what amazing things can happen when those two things come together. . . . [The Class is] more than a story of Andy Bramante and his students. It’s also a roadmap to improving our educational systems and the unimaginable bounties waiting if we do.”—Seattle Post-Intelligencer

“Tesoriero’s account should serve as a reminder of what our schools can be, everywhere in America. . . . The [students’] stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. In the end, one cannot help but root for all of these talented teenagers. ”—Bookreporter

“[An] inspiring account of how a high school science teacher mentors and motivates his prize-winning pupils . . . The students’ kindnesses, worries, feuds, and projects are . . . sketched so lovingly that readers cannot help rooting for them. With its winning mix of human-interest and scientific innovation, this book will appeal to general readers and fans of pop science alike.”—Publishers Weekly

“Tesoriero, a former TV news producer and newspaper reporter, captures with humor and empathy the lives and dreams of an extraordinary group of students. . . . Tesoriero makes a strong case for the importance of science and inspirational teachers. . . . Recommended for readers of Alexandra Robbins’s works, The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids and The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth.”—Library Journal

“A riveting look at a year in the life of an inspiring teacher and how he is helping kids create amazing and award-winning science projects. With the turn of every page, we see the joys of discovery and the immense satisfaction this brings to Andy Bramante, who made a life choice that transforms his students’ lives every day.”—Walter Isaacson, author of the New York Times bestseller Steve Jobs

“In The Class, a devoted teacher and his driven students provide something like a perfect picture of what it means to be human: striving with a noble purpose, failing with resilience, and always finding humor and humanity even in the face of tremendous pressure. Both teacher and students will surely teach you many things, but perhaps more important than the lessons is the sheer wonder inhabiting these pages. In its light you will be transported to a place and time of life when the simple desire to reach for the undiscovered can lead to remarkable achievements. This book is a remarkable achievement.”—Jeff Hobbs, author of the New York Times bestseller The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace

“Heather Won Tesoriero’s breezy, even whimsical voice coupled with her off-the-charts emotional intelligence and stunning powers of observation launches The Class into one of its own.”—Jonathan LaPook, M.D., chief medical correspondent, CBS News