The Kid Across the Hall

“It’s great to know that my father’s work is continuing in classes all around the country. It’s reflected in The Kid Across the Hall. I encourage you to read it.” —Jaime Escalante, Jr. “If you’re concerned about the future of our schools and children, The Kid Across the Hall will be well worth your time. As an expert and a practitioner, Reid is an incredibly thoughtful educator who models learning, engaging difference, and collaborating through challenge.” —John King, Jr., Tenth United States Secretary of Education “This is a masterful blend of scholarship, autobiography, policy, and passion. It’s nearly impossible to write a serious book about a crucial topic—here it’s America’s fumbling treatment of schooling, opportunity, and equity—while vividly incorporating one’s own remarkable saga. Reid poured himself into solving the problems that he agonizes over, made major contributions to their solution, and what he learned along the way is gripping. Keep an eye on him!” —Chester Finn, Fordham Institute; Former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education “Reid’s story made me think deeply about the best ways to address challenges in the education system. His book also made me reflect on how the social sector can better live out its espoused values of compassion and integrity. His narrative challenges all of us to see the best in others, and bring out the best in ourselves.” —Shawon Jackson, Founder & CEO, Vocal Justice “There is a broadening awareness of how important a sense of belonging is to a person’s education. But this book makes a special contribution. It brings this process to life as it exists on the ground, in the lives of real students and educators. It is a must-read for anyone dedicated to seeing our schools fulfill their democratic mission.” —Claude Steele, author of Whistling Vivaldi “A brilliant and effective blending of personal memoir with educational reformation experience The Kid Across the Hall: The Fight for Opportunity in Our Schools by educator Reid Saaris will have immense value for readers with an interest in the educational ramification of income inequality and the role that nonprofit organizations and collective ‘front line’ leadership can accomplish.“—Midwest Book Review

Reid Saaris is the founder of Equal Opportunity Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that students of all backgrounds have opportunities to succeed at the highest levels. He is an Echoing Green, a Draper Richards Kaplan, and a Stanford Social Innovation Fellow, and has advised federal, state, and local leaders, teachers, philanthropies, companies, and universities on topics like justice, impact, data analysis, communications, and learning. His most challenging and meaningful professional experiences have been as a classroom teacher.