Short Synopsis
Just sixteen percent of female students, black girls make up more than one-third of all girls with a school-related arrest. The first trade book to tell these untold stories, Pushout exposes a world of confined potential and supports the growing movement to address the policies, practices, and cultural illiteracy that push countless students out of school and into unhealthy, unstable, and often unsafe futures.

Full Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Diamond stopped going to school the day she was expelled for lashing out at peers who constantly harassed and teased her for something everyone on the staff had missed: she was being trafficked for sex. After months on the run, she was arrested and sent to a detention center for violating a court order to attend school.

Just sixteen percent of female students, black girls make up more than one-third of all girls with a school-related arrest. The first trade book to tell these untold stories, Pushout exposes a world of confined potential and supports the growing movement to address the policies, practices, and cultural illiteracy that push countless students out of school and into unhealthy, unstable, and often unsafe futures.

For four years Monique W. Morris chronicled the experiences of black girls across the country whose intricate lives are misunderstood, highly judged—by teachers, administrators, and the justice system—and degraded by the very institutions charged with helping them flourish. Morris shows how, despite obstacles, black girls still find ways to breathe remarkable dignity into their lives in classrooms, juvenile facilities, and beyond.

“Morris’s work, buttressed by appalling statistics and scholarly studies, is supplemented by two useful appendices . . . and a list of community resources.” ---Publishers Weekly

“The personal stories at the heart of the author’s discussion create a compelling study that puts a human face on both suffering and statistics . . . Morris’ book offers both educators and those interested in social justice issues an excellent starting point for much-needed change. A powerful and thought-provoking book of social science.” ---Kirkus

"Pushout is for everyone who cares about children, especially teachers, school administrators and policymakers, whose decisions - big and small - shape how black girls learn and live." ---Washington Post

“A thoughtful appendix offers numerous questions and answers for girls and young women, parents, the community, and educators. Timely and important.” ---Booklist