September, Chapters 1-3, (pg 1-24) Summary and Analysis

Among School Children by Tracy Kidder is an account of Christine Zajac's fifth grade classroom at Kelly School in Holyoke Massachusetts. For an entire year, Kidder observed Chris' classroom. Through his observations Kidder explains the trials and tribulations that Chris must go through as a teacher in a poor neighborhood in the United States. He uses Chris' anecdotes as a larger comment on the American school system as a whole.

In chapter one of the book, it is again a new school year and Mrs. Chris Zajac, a 14-year veteran teacher has a new classroom of 5th graders. Everyday, the thirty four year old teacher is sure to wear a dress or skirt, even though there is no dress code. Although at home Chris is relaxed and calm with her friends and family...