A Walk in Their Kicks: Literacy, Identity, and the Schooling of Young Black Males

This compelling new book provides a deep examination of the experience of African American males in schools. Moving beyond basic notions of culturally relevant instruction, A Walk in Their Kicks offers new understandings that will assist educators in developing instruction that respects these young men and fosters their participation and success. Through research data and conversations among teachers, readers will explore the impact that trauma has on the lives of African American students, examine how their own identities and perceptions of these students influence their text selections and instruction, and identify the conditions that need to be present to engage African American male students in literacy. Chapters end with “What Teachers Can Do Right Now” and “What Administrators Can Do Right Now,” sections that provide easy-to-implement, practical strategies. “This is a uniquely important book that mixes history, theory, research, and practice in a masterful way. Johnson offers deep insights into one of the most timely issues in our society today. Aaron Johnson is a trustworthy guide not just through the issues and the complexities but to solutions, or at least to much better ways to proceed.”—James Paul Gee, Arizona State University“A Walk in Their Kicks elucidates what’s possible for educators and what’s essential to the schooling of African American males in our quest to eliminate the gaps in opportunity, access, equity, equality, culture, relationships placement, discipline, rigor, and more that manifest themselves as the gaps in achievement so prevalent among this student population.”—From the Afterword by Jay B. Marks, Oakland Schools, Oakland, MI Read more