This is the kind of book I really look forward to reading because it moves along at a clip, has colorful characters and lots of DRAMA. The stamina … to take in all those budding human beings, grasp their foibles … help them grow and learn is really nothing short of a miracle.

S. Cooke, Kensington, MD., author of In Mortal Hands, A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age.

This is the real deal. Ms. Sullivan is aware, inclusive … Her approach to teaching is remarkable … The adventures in her classroom over a year will amaze you. This is a fresh and uplifting account of a particularly sensitive time of life. You may find your child or even yourself in these pages. Inspirational!

E. Yaghjian, Columbia, S.C.

Ms. Sullivan worked magic in her classroom. She led her students to see themselves and their world with new eyes. I cried and laughed. A Small Civilization will change your sense of what education can be. 

L. Alexander, a veteran teacher, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Soulful, thoughtful, fun … I feel like I’m in the classroom with her. I’m reading it slowly because I don’t want it to end.

S. E. New York City

I read the entire book in one day. First of all, I wish that she had been my English teacher in seventh grade. Secondly, I wish she had been my education teacher when I was getting my certification.

A. Trice, 35-year teacher, New Orleans, LA.

This book should be required reading for beginning teachers who are looking for mentors and the courage to take on the difficult issues in today's classrooms. Experienced teachers will also glean insights and gather inspiration as they hone their skills… Perhaps the real gift of A Small Civilization is the beautiful language and storytelling from a gifted writer.

Had A Small Civilization been written while I was the Dean of the College of Education at St. Cloud State University, I would have provided a copy for each incoming teacher candidate!

Dr. Joane McKay, former dean of the College of Education at St. Cloud State University, MN

I just read this book — an incredible story! I lost count of how many times I was moved to tears.

Howell Adams, Atlanta, GA.

A Small Civilization should be recommended to any parents who have a child in school. Ms. Sullivan, a journalist turned teacher, shares her experience in uplifting, sometimes hilarious and sometimes gut-wrenching stories. Her methods of “transactional” learning make seventh grade seem like something a twelve-year-old might even want to do. This is … an eye-opening education and a class we would be wise not to skip.

Danny Jacobson, Southern California— writer and producer whose credits include: “Fame”, and “Mad About You.”

7th grade was horrendous for me, but I would do it again to be one of Ms. Sullvan’s students. They were all SO LUCKY to spend that time in her orbit.

Laura Wojdynska, Athens GA.

I found myself transported back to my school days in these pages, as I suspect many readers of this wonderful book will. I was always the kid more interested in science and facts than literature and journal writing. If only I had had a teacher like Mrs. Sullivan to inspire me with lessons which lived and breathed (eg. the Titanic lesson). After reading Mrs. Sullivan's tale, I believe I now (50 years later) understand what my uninspired teachers were trying to get across.

E. Manriquez, Groveland, FL.

Middle school is a fraught time, and Sullivan uses a range of techniques to reach her students, from the cocky kid to the shrinking violet … And the chapters range from the funny to the poignant to the frightening. It reads like a novel. Sullivan has great material, and she presents it as any good journalist would — by both showing and telling us. Highly recommend.

F. Bailey, Isle of Palms, S.C.

I just got this book in the mail today - can’t put it down!  I may be up all night reading it. Trying to remember my 7th grade - only that I had to write 3 term papers - and seeing things here that my granddaughter is going through this year. 

J. Beadle, Canton, GA.

I have just finished A Small Civilization and it has changed my life. Or rather, I wish I could do the last 18 years of my teaching … over again with the heart and insight (this author) brought to me.

D. Cumming, college professor, Lexington, VA.

What a wonderful read! So many prescient moments and impressions. Hard to imagine the trauma Ms. Sullivan and her students endured with Sandy Hook. Would all teachers be as dedicated and inspiring?

J. Simpson, Raleigh, N.C.