And Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-City High School Students by Miles Corwin follows a year in the lives of twelve senior students in a gifted program at a South-Central Los Angeles high school, portraying their academic struggles and personal challenges, while highlighting the dedication of their teachers amidst social inequities and the impact of California Proposition 209. The book includes themes of violence, homicide, and involvement with the court system.

Miles Corwin's And Still We Rise is praised for its poignant portrayal of inner-city students overcoming adversity, capturing both their struggles and triumphs. Critics commend the authenticity and depth of the narrative. However, some note the pacing can be slow and the extensive focus on individual stories may detract from broader systemic issues. Overall, it’s an inspiring read.

Readers who appreciate And Still We Rise by Miles Corwin are typically drawn to gripping, real-life stories that deal with perseverance and transformation within urban high schools. Comparable to Freedom Writers by Erin Gruwell and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore, it resonates with those passionate about social justice and educational triumphs against odds.

Inspirational / Challenging / Emotional / Informative / Hopeful

**Miles Corwin**  
A reporter for the Los Angeles Times who becomes involved in the lives of gifted students in South-Central Los Angeles and passionately invests in their stories and challenges.

**Toni Little**  
The senior AP English teacher at Crenshaw High, coming from a working-class background and inspired by historical figures, who is known for her passion for literature and her sometimes tumultuous interactions with school staff.

**Anita Moultrie**  
Chairwoman of the English department at Crenshaw, she focuses on integrating African-American culture in her lessons and acts as a supportive mentor and maternal figure to her students.

**Olivia**  
A bright and entrepreneurial student who navigates the foster system, engages in small business ventures, and aspires to attend her dream college for an MBA despite legal challenges.

**Scott Braxton**  
Head of the gifted program at Crenshaw, who balances his dedication to his students with the demands of his personal life, and makes a career transition for a leadership role at another school.

Miles Corwin

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “September”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 2

And Still We Rise Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 3-6

And Still We Rise Part 1, Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Fall”

Part 2, Chapters 7-12

And Still We Rise Part 2, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 13-18

And Still We Rise Part 2, Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Second Semester”

Part 3, Chapters 19-25

And Still We Rise Part 3, Chapters 19-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Spring”

Part 4, Chapters 26-Afterword

And Still We Rise Part 4, Chapters 26-Afterword Summary & Analysis

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And Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-City High School Students

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