It is startling and it is shaming: in a country that prides itself on being among the most enlightened in the world, 25 million American adults cannot read the poison warnings on a can of pesticide, a letter from their child’s teacher, or the front page of a newspaper. An additional 35 million read below the level needed to function successfully in our society. The United States ranks forty-ninth among 158 member nations of the UN in literacy, and wastes over $100 billion annually as a result. The problem is not merely an embarrassment, it is a social and economic disaster.
In Illiterate America, Jonathan Kozol, author of National Book Award-winning Death at an Early Age, addresses this national disgrace. Combining hard statistics and heartrending stories, he describes the economic and the human costs of illiteracy. Kozol analyses and condemns previous government action—and inaction—and, in a passionate call for reform, he proposes a specific program to conquer illiteracy.
One out of every three American adults cannot read this book—which is why everyone else must.
It is startling and it is shaming: in a country that prides itself on being among the most enlightened in the world, 25 million American adults cannot read the poison warnings on a can of pesticide, a letter from their child’s teacher, or the front page of a newspaper. An additional 35 million read below the level needed to function successfully in our society. The United States ranks forty-ninth among 158 member nations of the UN in literacy, and wastes over $100 billion annually as a result. The problem is not merely an embarrassment, it is a social and economic disaster.
In Illiterate America, Jonathan Kozol, author of National Book Award-winning Death at an Early Age, addresses this national disgrace. Combining hard statistics and heartrending stories, he describes the economic and the human costs of illiteracy. Kozol analyses and condemns previous government action—and inaction—and, in a passionate call for reform, he proposes a specific program to conquer illiteracy.
One out of every three American adults cannot read this book—which is why everyone else must.
Illiterate America
288
Illiterate America
288Paperback(Reissue)
Related collections and offers
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780452262034 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 03/01/1986 |
| Edition description: | Reissue |
| Pages: | 288 |
| Product dimensions: | 0.60(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.74(d) |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Explore More Items
Relive the sensuality, the romance, and the drama of Fifty Shades Freed—the love story that enthralled millions of readers around the world—through the thoughts, reflections, and dreams of
E L James revisits the world of Fifty Shades with a deeper and darker take on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the globe.
Their scorching, sensual affair ended in
Look for E L James’ passionate new
"Sweeping, erudite, sharply argued, and fun to
In this Pulitzer Prize finalist and national bestseller, one of the world's leading cognitive scientists
A provocative history of violence—from the New York
“In our uncertain age, which can so often feel so dark and disturbing, Steven Pinker has distinguished himself as a voice of positivity.” – New York
Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle
DRAMA DE CINCUENTA SOMBRAS LIBERADAS
A TRAVÉS DE LOS PENSAMIENTOS Y SUEÑOS
DE CHRISTIAN GREY.
E. L. James regresa, con una mirada más
The National Book Award-winning modern classic from James McBride, the tragic, funny story of a boy who joins John Brown's antislavery crusade - and passes as a girl to survive.
The tie-in edition to
Winner of the Gotham Book Prize
One of Barack Obama's "Favorite Books of the Year"
Oprah's Book Club Pick
Named one of the Top Ten Books of the
The modern classic that Oprah.com calls