Jonathan Kozol

Date of Birth: September 5, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Jonathan Kozol is an American writer, educator, and activist, renowned for his work on public education and social injustices in the United States. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Kozol attended the prestigious Harvard College, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English literature in 1958. After his education, he received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University but left before completing his degree to immerse himself in the Civil Rights Movement. Kozol began his career in education by teaching in the Boston public schools. His firsthand experiences in these underfunded and neglected schools profoundly influenced his writing. His first book, “Death at an Early Age” (1967), detailed the deplorable conditions in urban schools and won the National Book Award in Science, Philosophy, and Religion. Over the years, Kozol has authored numerous books, including “Savage Inequalities” (1991), “Amazing Grace” (1995), and “The Shame of the Nation” (2005), each highlighting the persistent and systemic inequities in American education. Kozol’s work extends beyond writing; he is a vocal advocate for educational reforms, often testifying before Congress and participating in grassroots movements. He has received several awards for his contributions to literature and social justice, including the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.

5 Interesting Facts about Jonathan Kozol

1. Jonathan Kozol won the National Book Award in Science, Philosophy, and Religion for his first book, “Death at an Early Age.”

2. He was a Rhodes Scholar but chose to leave Oxford University to participate in the Civil Rights Movement.

3. Kozol has been arrested multiple times for his activism, especially during protests advocating for better educational conditions.

4. He has been an outspoken critic of standardized testing, arguing that it exacerbates educational inequalities.

5. Kozol’s book “Savage Inequalities” was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jonathan Kozol

1. “Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win.”

2. “The primary victims of segregated schools are not the children who attend these schools but the nation itself.”

3. “The gulf between the life chances of rich and poor children in America is wider than it was at any time since the 1920s.”

4. “We are the richest nation in the world, yet we allow our children to attend schools in buildings that are falling apart.”

5. “The only thing that is wrong with education in America is that it is not equal for every child.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of the highest point in his career, Jonathan Kozol’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from book sales and speaking engagements.