The Kids from Nowhere: The Story Behind the Arctic Educational Miracle

There are times when stories about successes in educational advancement are told in a manner that feels more like inspirational magazine material than a book: the achievements of underprivileged young people overcoming potentially insurmountable odds are related in a touching way but hardly register as great writing - content over style. In the matter of 'THE KIDS FROM NOWHERE: The Story Behind the Arctic Educational Miracle' the author is George Guthridge who not only is a fine educator but he is also a superb novelist. It is this added bonus of a beautifully written novel that just happens to contain a true story that makes this book so fine. Guthridge writes with utter clarity, presents his amazing facts, and yet relates this 'miracle' in a manner that makes every page a literary delight. In 1982 teachers George and Mary Guthridge and their two young daughters accepted a teaching assignment out of financial desperation - a school in Gambell, Alaska on an isolated St. Lawrence Island between Alaska and Siberia, a school approaching collapse, peopled with Yupik 'Eskimos' known for their defiance of authority and apparent lack of ambition - a job that would pay well despite the formidable prospects. With wise insight and elegantly fluid style, Guthridge relates his time in Gambell, his family's assimilation into a new culture, and his approach to education that turned a 'trapped' class of young students into scholars by involving these inherently very bright students in a process called 'Future Problem Solving Program'. Guthridge takes the reader to this strange place with his ability to create atmosphere and to define his cast of characters in a way that the True Story aspect of the book is merely one part of a most satisfying novel. He carefully describes the young students' lives and initial responses to regarding classroom education as secondary to walrus/whale/seal hunting, finding stories about each that are at once comical and tender and tragic. The fact that he struggled with the educational system of Alaska and the paucity of supplies such as books and computers and yet overcame all odds, both administrative and personal, to slowly develop the students into the brilliant scholars who would win national championships in the Future Problem Solving Program is indeed a miracle, a testament to the courage and humanity of the man who writes this memoir. 'We married Western culture's syllogistic, abstract, linear thinking to the holistic, nonlinear, realistic reasoning of indigenous culture. The result is a communicator who addresses the world in a new way.' THE KIDS FROM NOWHERE is not only a book that will appeal to educators (and should be required reading for burned out teachers!), it is simply a very fine novel about life and humanity and courage and triumph of the human spirit. Highly recommended reading. Grady Harp, May 07

When I first read George Guthridge's book, I couldn't wait to share it with others. I found it greatly motivating, hugely inspiring and totally captivating. Perhaps it was more meaningful to me since I have friends that come from Gambel, but I really think it stems from the outstanding job that was done by George in portraiting the struggle in schools. The deeper meaning isn't written so much about Alaska, but just the struggles children face in general, and how they can be overcome with help from caring and inspired adults, this just happened to be a rural Alaskan setting. I highly recommend this for students, teachers, coaches and parents. I enjoyed it so much I purchased 2 dozen more to give away as gifts to those I thought could really use a lift.

My daughter purchased this book with a gift certificate, and after reading it, sent it to me, as I am an educator waiting to get my foot in the door. After starting the book, it was difficult to put down, and when it ended, I wanted it to continue with a sequel. Since my family and I spent several years in Chignik, AK, it was easy to relate to the trials and tribulations of living in a fishing village. But that is where it ended. The will and determination of the students - their wise, uncanny intelligences - the 200% give of Mr. Guthridge - all was so mind-boggling. And these students had to translate from their Native language to English to perform the tests. Thank you, Mr. Guthridge, for educating your readers by showing them that anything is possible. I would love to see this book made into a movie. D. Jepsen Selah, WA

The Kids from Nowhere is a beautifully written story of triumph. I could not put this book down and continue to think about it. George and his students made me laugh, cry, and cheer, all while learning about the Yupik culture and innovative teaching/motivational strategies. This book has inspired me to be a better person, a better teacher and a better mentor to our youth. A must read for all teachers and anyone that loves a great non-fiction story. In my opinion it towers above many great inspirational teaching stories such as Stand and Deliver and To Sir With Love.

If anyone wants a chairside tour of another culture, this is the book for you. The author takes us to a Yupik (Eskimo) whaling, subsistance community in Gambel, Alaska where he is a teacher. The reader "stays" in Gambel for 3 years while the author and his students participate in day-to-day Yupik life and pursue a national academic championship. Preparing for the championship, the students blend their Yupik culture with the Western culture to understand and solve the problems presented to them in the exams. A true triumph of the spirit written in a gripping story that the reader will not be able to put down until finished.