It is startling and it is shaming: in a country that prides itself on being among the most enlightened in the world, 25 million American adults cannot read the poison warnings on a can of pesticide, a letter from their child's teacher, or the front page of a newspaper. An additional 35 million read below the level needed to function successfully in our society. The United States ranks forty-ninth among 158 member nations of the UN in literacy, and wastes over $100 billion annually as a result. The problem is not merely an ...
Read More
It is startling and it is shaming: in a country that prides itself on being among the most enlightened in the world, 25 million American adults cannot read the poison warnings on a can of pesticide, a letter from their child's teacher, or the front page of a newspaper. An additional 35 million read below the level needed to function successfully in our society. The United States ranks forty-ninth among 158 member nations of the UN in literacy, and wastes over $100 billion annually as a result. The problem is not merely an embarrassment, it is a social and economic disaster. In Illiterate America , Jonathan Kozol, author of National Book Award-winning Death at an Early Age , addresses this national disgrace. Combining hard statistics and heartrending stories, he describes the economic and the human costs of illiteracy. Kozol analyses and condemns previous government action--and inaction--and, in a passionate call for reform, he proposes a specific program to conquer illiteracy. One out of every three American adults cannot read this book--which is why everyone else must.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear. This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good in very good dust jacket. Ex-library. jacket a bit worn at corners and edges, jacket in slightly worn plastic cover, flaps taped to copy; copy has old tape residue on endpapers, faded page blocks, library markings; text and binding fine. 270 p. Audience: General/trade.
