| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
xi, 302 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Contents |
Introduction -- I wasn't supposed to be born -- I wasn't supposed to see my father cry -- I wasn't supposed to be set free in the Bronx -- I wasn't supposed to be making difficult decisions -- I wasn't supposed to be in high school in Harlem -- I wasn't supposed to be at an elite private boarding school -- I wasn't supposed to have a happy ending -- I wasn't supposed to be a statistic -- I wasn't supposed to go to college with a baby -- I wasn't supposed to be a doctor -- I wasn't supposed to win -- Epilogue. |
| Summary |
"Everybody was rooting for Jonathan Conyers after seeing his profile on Humans of New York went viral and sparked millions in donations to the Brooklyn Debate League. The kid who went from struggling to read to being a breakout star on his high school debate team, thanks to a life-changing friendship with his transgender debate coach, captured the heart of America. Jonathan's story highlights the important role teachers play in opening up worlds of opportunity for the most vulnerable students. In I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here, Jonathan shares the full story of his incredible journey escaping the precarious circumstances he was born into, and the teachers, mentors, and guides who helped him along the way. Born into a family crippled by addiction and homelessness, Jonathan "failed" kindergarten and was told he would never succeed academically. But instead, Jonathan found ways to defy the limited expectations placed upon him by building a village to save his own life, and realize his dream to get into medical school. Throughout this heartwarming memoir, we meet the unique and diverse cast of characters who made up Jonathan's village and helped him change the trajectory of his life"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Note |
Includes reading group guide. |
| Subject |
Conyers, Jonathan, 1994- -- Childhood and youth.
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Homeless children -- United States -- Biography.
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Poor children -- United States -- Biography.
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Children of drug addicts -- United States -- Biography.
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African American children -- Education.
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| Genre/Form |
Autobiographies.
|
| Added Author |
Tharps, Lori L., author.
|
| Added Title |
I was not supposed to be here |
| ISBN |
9781538742501 (hardcover) |
|
1538742500 (hardcover) |
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