- Hardcover: 272 pages
- Publisher: VanderWyk & Burnham,U.S. (1 Sep 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1889242241
- ISBN-13: 978-1889242248
- Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 15.7 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 502,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
"This is a story for every underdog, for everyone who has ever stumbled in life, for anyone who thinks life has dealt them a little more than they can handle."--Jim Eisenreich, former Major League Baseball player with Tourette's
"Thank you, Brad, for your determination, your spirit, your compassion, and your perseverance, and thank you for daring to share it with all of us."--Susan Conners, Education Specialist, Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.
"Brad Cohen has turned Tourette syndrome into an asset, and his life into inspiration."--Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia
"This book provides a genuine and heartfelt message of hope in the face of a potentially devastating disorder." --Neal Adams, MD, MPH, Psychiatric Services, "Journal of the American Psychiatric Association"
"Strongly recommended reading . . . "Front of the Class" is the remarkable story of a remarkable man who learned to deal with a marked and all too remarkable affliction."--"Midwest Book Review, ""Reviewer's Choice"
"This story of how a child with severe obstacles to learning triumphed as Georgia's First Class Teacher of the Year is a testimony to the indestructibility of the human spirit."--"ForeWord Magazine"
"""Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope, determination, will, and relentless good humor. His approach to living with Tourette syndrome proves how much is possible when you expect the best of everyone, especially yourself."--Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Head of Biological Sciences, Purdue University
""Front of the Class" is not just a book about Tourette syndrome. It is a courageous and touching account of one young man's difficulties and triumphs in life." --Sheryl K.Pruitt, M.Ed., Clinical Director, Parkaire Consultants and coauthor of "Teaching the Tiger" and "Understanding Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Educators"
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
As a child with Tourette's, Brad was ridiculed, beaten mocked, and shunned. This story of unwavering determination proves anyone can make their dreams come true. Ends with 20+ motivational tips on living with a disability.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book should be issued to every teacher, in every school! It shows that with an understanding of TS (or any disability) and with committed flexibility, even the most difficult youths can be educated and keep their self esteem - which is the most important thing in a youths life! Maybe the amount of young offenders would then start to decrease!
Truly a 'must read'!
I look forward to an updated version in years to come!
Format:Hardcover
I bought this for my son-in-law from his wish list and decided to take a sneak preview before wrapping it! Am I glad I did. I didn't put it down until I'd finished and I wanted to call everyone I knew and tell them to read it. Not only should it be compulsory reading for teachers, but for pupils too.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
43 reviews
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
A Teacher With Tourette Syndrome (TS)
20 Jun 2006
Format:Hardcover
I too am a teacher with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and have experienced many of the same things that author Brad Cohen describes in this fascinating book. All of his life, Cohen has worked to overcome his disability. Even when he became ultimately successful, Cohen has still experienced difficulties. For example, even as an adult, he has been asked to leave restaurants and other public events. A few times, however, this has worked to his advantage. While at the Olympics in Atlanta, for example, a number of patrons complained about his tics. But instead of being expelled, Cohen was reseated in a better seating area.
His parents were divorced and, for most of his early life, his father was distant from him. In elementary school and junior high, Cohen was often ridiculed and mocked by other children. Teachers mistakenly thought that he was doing his tics purposely in order to disrupt the class, and punished him accordingly. Many children with TS also have comorbid ADHD and OCD. Cohen described how hard it is to read and comprehend a book. The average person should imagine trying to comprehend a book while it is jerked around every few seconds.
In time, Cohen was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). He was taken off stimulants, which, in common with many others with TS, only aggravated his condition. His first experience with a TS support group was not at all positive. Members of the group focused on the negative, not how to overcome it and be successful. This is not what Cohen needed to hear. In time, Cohen learned how to educate others about his disorder. Unfortunately, in junior high, there were too many individuals who refused to be educated. However, he did have a supportive principal who allowed him to speak to a school gathering about his condition.
Cohen developed socially by being involved in Jewish organizations. By high school, things got better. The students increasingly overlooked his tics and accepted him as a person. He began to dream of being a teacher.
When Cohen went to Bradley University, he learned not only educational theory but also got valuable hands-on teaching experience with children. But when he tried to get his first teaching job, the door kept getting slammed in his face. Ultimately, he had to go through some 25 principals before he found one that would hire him. "I just cannot see you as a teacher", one candidly remarked. Things seemed hopeless. It looked as if Tourette Syndrome had won over him. But he refused to give up his dream.
Finally, he was hired, and proved himself to be an excellent teacher. He at first taught second grade, and made every child feel wanted. Cohen made the following observation (p. 160) which should be a challenge and inspiration to all teachers: "If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow...go to the cutting edge of your competence, which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don't quite know what you're doing, know you're growing."
His parents were divorced and, for most of his early life, his father was distant from him. In elementary school and junior high, Cohen was often ridiculed and mocked by other children. Teachers mistakenly thought that he was doing his tics purposely in order to disrupt the class, and punished him accordingly. Many children with TS also have comorbid ADHD and OCD. Cohen described how hard it is to read and comprehend a book. The average person should imagine trying to comprehend a book while it is jerked around every few seconds.
In time, Cohen was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). He was taken off stimulants, which, in common with many others with TS, only aggravated his condition. His first experience with a TS support group was not at all positive. Members of the group focused on the negative, not how to overcome it and be successful. This is not what Cohen needed to hear. In time, Cohen learned how to educate others about his disorder. Unfortunately, in junior high, there were too many individuals who refused to be educated. However, he did have a supportive principal who allowed him to speak to a school gathering about his condition.
Cohen developed socially by being involved in Jewish organizations. By high school, things got better. The students increasingly overlooked his tics and accepted him as a person. He began to dream of being a teacher.
When Cohen went to Bradley University, he learned not only educational theory but also got valuable hands-on teaching experience with children. But when he tried to get his first teaching job, the door kept getting slammed in his face. Ultimately, he had to go through some 25 principals before he found one that would hire him. "I just cannot see you as a teacher", one candidly remarked. Things seemed hopeless. It looked as if Tourette Syndrome had won over him. But he refused to give up his dream.
Finally, he was hired, and proved himself to be an excellent teacher. He at first taught second grade, and made every child feel wanted. Cohen made the following observation (p. 160) which should be a challenge and inspiration to all teachers: "If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow...go to the cutting edge of your competence, which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don't quite know what you're doing, know you're growing."
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Truly Inspirational
29 Aug 2005
Format:Hardcover
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's an easy-to-read book that gives you "goose-pimple bumps" from Brad's challenges and accomplishments. Anyone who reads this will be touched by his story. Thank goodness so much more is known about Tourettes now, but 15-20 years ago it was obviously so misunderstood. Brad's modesty and courage are inspiring. This books holds lessons for youth, teachers, parents and so many more.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
A true story of real courage
8 Jun 2006
Format:Hardcover
Brad Cohen's first hand account of how he became a teacher despite having Tourette's syndrome isn't great writing, but if you've ever known someone with Tourette's you know how amazing his story is. Happily most people today know what this disease is--as I was growing up with a brother who had it, no one did. If you haven't seen it, it's hard to imagine the noises, tics, cursing, and mental agony of living with this incurable problem. Cohen's book gives an intimate look at what it feels like to have your body taken over by urges that can't be controlled. He also sensitively portrays the distress and confusion of parents who try to deal with a problem for which modern medicine is almost useless. Again we see a situation where young children in the classroom can accept behaviors that the wider world can't tolerate, and Cohen's openness about his problem with these children is the secret of his success. One gets the sense Cohen's life will always be a struggle--although he has many friends there's no mention of a woman in his life, and gaining acceptance with new people is always going to be a risky business. But his courage is amazing. This book should be required reading for any child who doubts his worth as a person because of this terrible disease.
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