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M R.
G A L L I O N’ S S C H
O O L
McGraw-Hill,
New York City, New York, 1967.
337 pp.
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Jesse Stuart’s Mr. Gallion’s School tells a story of retired educator George Gallion, who accepts a
position as principal of the Kensington
High School, which is beset with
problems such as vandalism, truancy, and
gambling. Gallion, although ill and
under a doctor’s care, attacks the
problems head-on with his old-fashion
ideas of honesty, discipline and
courage. Under his direction the school
is turned around, and gradually the
community comes to realize the
miraculous job he has done. The novel
highlights Stuart’s views on education
and the responsibility of parents for
their children’s education.
The book is a fictionalization of
Stuart’s experiences as principal
of the McKell High School during 1956-1957. Gallion clearly is the personification
of Stuart, even the open chapter
about the character’s heart attack is
based on Stuart’s own attack. His
biographer held the book in high esteem:
“In artistic balance as well as in
substance, Mr. Gallion’s School make
such topical educational novels as
Up the Down Staircase, Hickory
Stick and Blackboard Jungle
look like the frantic outpouring of
novices. For here is a more believable
American high school in trouble...”
(Richardson, Jesse, 370).
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