This book is a loving blueprint for how people can become involved in changing the direction of their lives and their community. Delgado-Gaitan weaves stories of the individuals of Carpinteria together with stories of the community of Carpinteria, and creates an intricate tapestry that shows how individuals can change The System.

Because Delgado-Gaitan does not try to stay out of the story - she too is she is an immigrant Latino with a background similar to those of many of the people that she interviewed - she allows her perspective to enter and flavor (in very readable prose) her carefully researched accounting of parental involvement in the school system of Carpinteria. One of the most heartening aspects of the story is that Delgado-Gaitan actually becomes very invested and involved with helping the parents to change the school system. And they are SUCCESSFUL!

One of my favorite passages is about a woman who at first thought that not being active in the school activities showed her respect for the teacher. She says, "I didn't feel that I needed to know who my children's teachers were because I trusted that they knew what they were doing. I didn't know what my children needed because I didn't have much schooling in Mexico, so why should I question what they were doing in the classroom?"

I was very touched by this woman's story because it helps to show that so often we don't take action because we don't think that we are smart enough, or capable enough. We do not feel imbued with POWER. Yet that can change, as Delgado-Gatain allows us to see when the woman, Vicki Flores, describes her shift in consciousness. As she attends the COPLA (Committee of Latino Parents) meetings, her views begin to change. "At first I didn't see why other parents felt that it was necessary to learn about schools, but I kept attending meetings because my neighbor insisted that I go with her. Finally, in one meeting I asked them why as Latinos we should have to know all of the information that was being presented to us. Suddenly they all began explaining how Latino children were left behind in school and they received less attention if we as parents didn't get involved. My neighbor told me that her son was having problems reading and when she went to talk to the school the teacher gave her materials to help her son. I know I should go talk to the teacher because my youngest daughter, Angie, tells me that she is having lots of problems." (p 29) And so she took action.

I highly recommend this book because, quite simply, it helps you to see that no matter how helpless you may feel, when you join with others, communicate your vision, and accept that yes, it will take time, it IS possible to change the world.