As teenagers living in a racially divided urban community, Erin Gruwell's first students were already hardened by gang violence, juvenile detention and drugs. With her steadfast support, they shattered stereotypes to become critical thinkers, aspiring college students, and citizens for change. They even published a book, Freedom Writers, which is being made into a major motion picture starring Hilary Swank as Gruwell, due in theatres in early 2007.

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