Summary

Page 90 – 95—Luiselli describes her experience teaching Advanced Speaking at Hofstra University. Instead of following a syllabus, the class discusses their concerns and questions about migration issues. Luiselli then begins to explain the right every child living in U.S. territory has to a free public education. Many public schools in New York, especially in the Nassau District where she works, deny immigrant children entry based on the illegal practice of asking for proper immigration paperwork. Even though a state compliance review ruled these practices unacceptable, not all schools have complied. A phone call with Alina reveals these practices have made it difficult to place Manu in a school where he will be safe from gangs.

Luiselli recalls a day in October in which her students revealed their plan to stop talking about the problems they discuss and start doing something about them. Luiselli...