The Buffalo Writers

Upon returning on scholarship to an intense teacher-training and the Freedom Writers Institute in Long Beach, California, teacher Becky Dudney led her students to embark on a heart-wrenching, conscience-building, transformational journey through reading and writing. Since her student population is considered "at-risk," a study of the hard-hitting Freedom Writers Diary was appropriate. The study turned into "The Freedom Writers Curriculum Pilot Project," evolving then into the creation of The Buffalo Writers Diary. Students learned to see the parallels in the writing of others to their own lives and recorded their thoughts and feelings in the form of reflections which have led to life-changing results. This book is also a guide for any teacher who seeks to reform his/her own approach to educating today's youth, or any population in need of guidance and inspiration. "I have problems with drugs....now I'm confused about what I want in my life. I know that I want to study, but the problems I am having now are things I need help with...I don't know who can help me right now..." "I have been through all of that same stuff before in the past; No money, no food, no place to stay. My mom did everything she could, but she could not get a job because her health was bad. Our father did not support us, and left us alone and cold with nothing." "The Buffalo Writers Diary is our non-violent protest against all forms of abuse and addiction. Upon reading our words, it is our hope that the reader will undergo a change within him/herself." --Becky Dudney, Teacher and co-author/co-editor