On December 15, 2017, a busload of students from Ballou High School traveled to the Wilson Building in downtown Washington, DC, with a singular purpose: to defend their school. They brought typed testimonials to read aloud before the DC City Council; they brought passion, composure, and steely reserve. A few weeks earlier their school had become the focus of a media storm alleging that their recent triumph--of every graduate’s acceptance into college--was undeserved. Suddenly their story was no longer about celebration, but condemnation, and the Ballou community felt unfairly maligned. The ensuing months brought citywide investigations, removals of leadership, and heated debate about policies across the school system.
This book is not about that debate.
This book is about the young people who showed up in that courtroom. This book is about their perspectives, their frustrations, their ambitions, and their pride. These young people initiated the writing of this book. They wanted to illuminate the Ballou not often represented in the media--one full of love, hard work, and transformation. They set their mission: to change the story about their school and the people who call it home. To combat stereotypes and assumptions. To motivate the next generation to persevere, and to believe in themselves, no matter what.
Most importantly, these young people wanted to speak for themselves, not to be spoken about. They remind us that there are many sides to every story, and that all voices should be valued and heard. “This is our last line of defense,” they write. “These are our stories. This is the Ballou We Know.”
On December 15, 2017, a busload of students from Ballou High School traveled to the Wilson Building in downtown Washington, DC, with a singular purpose: to defend their school. They brought typed testimonials to read aloud before the DC City Council; they brought passion, composure, and steely reserve. A few weeks earlier their school had become the focus of a media storm alleging that their recent triumph--of every graduate’s acceptance into college--was undeserved. Suddenly their story was no longer about celebration, but condemnation, and the Ballou community felt unfairly maligned. The ensuing months brought citywide investigations, removals of leadership, and heated debate about policies across the school system.
This book is not about that debate.
This book is about the young people who showed up in that courtroom. This book is about their perspectives, their frustrations, their ambitions, and their pride. These young people initiated the writing of this book. They wanted to illuminate the Ballou not often represented in the media--one full of love, hard work, and transformation. They set their mission: to change the story about their school and the people who call it home. To combat stereotypes and assumptions. To motivate the next generation to persevere, and to believe in themselves, no matter what.
Most importantly, these young people wanted to speak for themselves, not to be spoken about. They remind us that there are many sides to every story, and that all voices should be valued and heard. “This is our last line of defense,” they write. “These are our stories. This is the Ballou We Know.”
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of...
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the...
“Come to my side of town.”The students of Ballou High School know a different Washington, DC than do the more than 18 million tourists who visit our nation’s capital each year. They live in Southeast...
A towering figure in the history of American pacifism and social justice, Adin Ballou is remembered in this poignant memorial. Featuring personal reflections from friends and colleagues, as well as...
Adin Ballou was a man of peace - the leader of the pacifist Hopedale Community, and a major theorist of nonviolent resistance to evil. Yet he was not of a naturally peaceful disposition. As a young...
Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australiand online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles,
Shop Trending Books and New Releases
Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.
Shop Best Books By Collection
Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.
Buy Educational Books and Textbooks Online at BookLoop
Shop School Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education
At BookLoop, we make it easy to buy school textbooks online in Australia for every stage of learning. Our extensive
textbook collection includes curriculum-aligned primary school books,
secondary school books, and resources for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university studies.
Each title is selected for accuracy, quality, and alignment with the Australian Curriculum, supporting teachers, students, and schools across the country. Whether you’re preparing for exams, classroom learning, or distance education, BookLoop’s range of educational books ensures your students have the right materials to succeed.
Teacher Resources, Classroom Tools and Professional Learning
Empower your teaching with teacher resources and classroom support materials from BookLoop.
Our collection includes lesson planning guides, literacy and numeracy workbooks, STEM education resources, and assessment tools that help educators deliver engaging, effective learning experiences.
We also stock a wide selection of preschool and early years education books tailored to early childhood development, classroom management, and student wellbeing.
Teachers can access everything from professional development books to interactive classroom activities — all carefully curated to enhance teaching outcomes and student success.
Educational Books and Learning Resources for Every Subject
Find educational books for students across a variety of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and the Arts.
BookLoop partners with trusted Australian publishers to provide up-to-date resources that meet classroom requirements and support independent learning.
Whether you’re a school administrator sourcing bulk textbook orders, a parent preparing for the new term, or a teacher updating your classroom library, BookLoop is your one-stop online bookstore for all education and teaching materials.
Sign In
your cart
Your cart is empty
Menu
Search
PRE-SALES
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
