Book description
"Failing schools. Underprivileged schools. Just plain bad schools." That's how Eve L. Ewing opens Ghosts in the Schoolyard: describing Chicago Public Schools from the outside. The way politicians and pundits and parents of kids who attend other schools talk about them, with a mix of pity and contempt. But Ewing knows Chicago Public Schools from the inside: as a student, then a teacher, and now a scholar who studies them. And that perspective has shown her that public schools are not buildings full of failures--they're an integral part of their neighborhoods, at the heart of their communities, storehouses of history and memory that bring people together. Never was that role more apparent than in 2013 when Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced an unprecedented wave of school closings. Pitched simultaneously as a solution to a budget problem, a response to declining enrollments, and a chance to purge bad schools that were dragging down the whole system, the plan was met with a roar of protest from parents, students, and teachers. But if these schools were so bad, why did people care so much about keeping them open, to the point that some would even go on a hunger strike? Ewing's answer begins with a story of systemic racism, inequality, bad faith, and distrust that stretches deep into Chicago history. Rooting her exploration in the historic African American neighborhood of Bronzeville, Ewing reveals that this issue is about much more than just schools. Black communities see the closing of their schools--schools that are certainly less than perfect but that are theirs--as one more in a long line of racist policies. The fight to keep them open is yet another front in the ongoing struggle of black people in America to build successful lives and achieve true self-determination.
QuestQuill
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. ๐ Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey โ thank you, this app! โจ๐ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
EchoEnigma
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is โ it's like being inside the story. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donโt have the time.
Mercury Reborn
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ๐ง Making housework more enjoyable โ audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. ๐งน๐ Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Take Away
๐ Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures โ audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ๐๐ Audiobooks made delightful โ this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
Dewdrop Doll
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Saint La-Z-Boy
I'm hooked on this app โ it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. ๐ฑ๐ Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Kawaii Red
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs.
ByteBard
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality โ a journey into captivating worlds. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Mud Pie Man
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Silver Rose
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience โ it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ๐ฑ An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts โ it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ๐๐ก The app is worth every penny. Itโs packed with features and works flawlessly. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Low Menace
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Morbid Angel
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
DriftDetector
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story.
Crash Enforcer
The narrators on this app are truly talented โ they bring characters to life. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible!
Martini Flower
ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Preach Man
๐๐ Road trips have never been this entertaining โ this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ๐๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnโt have any major complaints, but I also donโt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Steel Cut Toe
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ๐๐ฑ Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Skirble
๐ The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Mrs. Voltage
I've never been so excited about my daily commute โ thanks to this app. Savoring audiobooks without complications โ this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
MuseMaster
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio โ from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience