The Freedom Writers Diary
Senior Year: Spring 1998
Journal Prompts
Diary 114: GUESS? Sponsorship
This student writes, “Now that I am a part of something like the Freedom Writers, I don’t have to try to
fit in or to buy my way into acceptance. Material things are no longer a top priority in my life. Of
course, I want nice things, but I don’t feel as if I have to have them to feel complete. It’s funny how
material things mean so much to adolescents.” Describe the importance you place on material
things. What would life be like if you had nothing?
Diary 115: Spirit of Anne Frank Award
This Freedom Writer explains concerns over joining Ms. Gruwell’s class, but describes being
welcomed without hesitation: “I was totally ecstatic about being a part of something that I’d heard so
many wonderful things about. But I was completely terrified.” Think of your own class or school.
Describe what you can do to make sure a new student feels accepted and welcome.
Diary 116: New York City Roommates
The writer of this entry describes how her father’s racist views made her feel uncomfortable sharing a
room with girls of other races. Think of a time when you were uncomfortable around another person
you hardly knew. Explain what it was about the experience that made you uncomfortable.
Diary 117: Celebrating Anne Frank
In this entry, the writer shares what happened when they received the Spirit of Anne Frank Award.
The last line of the entry reads, “I want to go on living even after my death.” Describe a person that
you know or know of who has gone on living after their passing. How have the person and their
message been remembered?
Diary 118: Abuse of Power
This Freedom Writer’s father inflicts abuse on the writer and the writer’s siblings. The author ends the
entry by saying that they will break the cycle of abuse. We learn many things from the positive role
models around us and sometimes even more from negative role models. Write about a person that
you view as a negative role model and what they taught you.
Diary 119: Peter Maass: The Role of a Journalist
In this entry, the writer talks about meeting Peter Maass and what that felt like. The writer asked a
“tough” question of Peter Maass – about whether he “just stands there watching people die” or if he
does something. Have you ever had to act like Peter Maass and observe a dangerous act?
Diary 120: Book Agent
This Freedom writer says that Carol does not fit the description of what a pimp should look like. Think
of all the good qualities you possess. Would another person recognize those qualities at first glance?
Explain what you do to make sure the good in you is noticed by others.
Diary 121: Getting Published
In this entry, the writer tells about getting The Freedom Writer’s Diary published and being “added to
the short but ever growing list of African American female writers” so that she can leave behind
something of which she is proud. Consider all you have to offer. For what would you like to be
remembered when you are gone?
Diary 122: Basketball Playoffs: Teamwork
In this entry, the writer describes how feeling too much pressure caused her basketball team to lose a
game. Describe a time when you were under so much pressure that you didn’t do as well as you had
hoped. What techniques have you learned that help you decrease the pressure in stressful
situations?
Diary 123: A Lesson from Animal Farm
In this entry, the writer talks about how some Freedom Writers are not doing their part. Reflect on a
time when you needed others to come together to accomplish a goal. Explain what happened that
led to your group’s success or failure. What will you do in the future to inspire others to work toward a
common goal?
Diary 124: Attitude Adjustment
This Freedom Writer describes the frustration of being kicked off her basketball team, but she writes
that she never gave up on the team. Think of an incident from your life where the world seemed to be
turning against you. Describe how you dealt with it. Did you give in, or did you hold on to hope that
things would work out?
Diary 125: Introducing U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
In this entry, the writer shares how he/she feels they are undeserving to speak on behalf of the
Freedom Writers to a state senator. Describe a moment when you have felt undeserving of a gift,
praise, or honor. Explain how it felt for others to think more of you than you thought of yourself. How
can you use that feeling in the future?
Diary 126: Attention Deficit Disorder
In this entry, the writer talks about life with ADD, medication, and speaking in front of college
professors that resulted in a standing ovation. Consider the lengths to which this student had to go in
order to gain attention and acceptance. Explain why a person would “act up” to make friends and
give examples of times that you did something you would not normally have done to gain acceptance
from others.
Diary 127: Homosexuality
In this entry, the writer discusses her fears about not being accepted by friends and family because of
her sexual orientation. Think of an instance in your life where you were not sure whether you would
receive the support and respect of those you love. How did they end up reacting? Explain how you
dealt with their reactions.
Diary 128: Prom Queen
In this entry, the writer describes the sacrifices her mother made to ensure the safety of her family.
Think of someone you know personally or from a book or movie who sacrificed a lot for the sake of
others. What decisions or sacrifices would you have made if you were in this other person’s shoes?
Diary 129: “Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.”
In this entry, the author reflects on a powerful statement: “Whoever saves one life, saves the world
entire.” Think of the experiences of the Freedom Writers and the people they have met. Explain
whether or not one person can make a difference to the world.
Diary 130: Breaking the Cycle
This Freedom Writer explains the importance of the quotation “History repeats itself.” Think of the
tools and experiences the Freedom Writers have gained. Describe whether or not they have the
resources to break the cycles of which they are a part. Think of a cycle you are a part of. What will it
take for you to break that cycle?
Diary 131: Football All-American
In this entry, the author talks about a transformation that occurred in his life. How was he able to
change his life in such a positive way? Describe a time in your life when things drastically changed,
either for better or for worse.
Diary 132: Baseball Dilemma
This Freedom Writer struggles with a decision that will affect the rest of his life. Describe a time when
you were forced to make an important decision. What considerations did you think about when
making your decision? Was the outcome of your decision what you hoped for? Looking back, is there
anything you would do differently?
Diary 133: A College Acceptance
This writer shares her good news with several people and is let down by each of their reactions.
Finally, she shares her news with Ms. Gruwell and the Freedom Writers and they cheer. Consider the
people in your life. To whom would you turn if you had news you were excited about? What would be
their reaction?
Diary 134: Fear of Abandonment
This author talks about being abandoned by her father, then feels that she will be abandoned by her
friends after graduation. Think about a time when you felt abandoned. How did you deal with those
kinds of feelings and what advice would you give a friend who was experiencing similar feelings?
Diary 135: Teenage Pregnancy
In this entry, the writer talks about a situation that will change her life. At first she sees her life falling
apart (unable to attend college, losing her job, etc.), then she is able to create a plan to follow through
with her goals and dreams. Reflect on a moment when you have had to face jarring news. Discuss
the situation and describe how you dealt with what happened. Did things go as badly as you first
though they would?
Diary 136: Southwest Airlines
This Freedom Writer talks about feeling like a caged bird. The writer tells us that only caged birds
sing because they have lost their freedom. Consider the different kinds of freedom in life. Now
describe the freedoms you value most and how you would react if you lost those freedoms.
Diary 137: Computers for College!
This writer describes John Tu, and entrepreneur, who contributed much to the Freedom Writers.
Think about why John Tu felt it was important to give to the Freedom Writers community. Describe
what you can do now to give back to your community and help to improve it.
Diary 138: The Giving Tree: Crackhead Parents
In this entry, the writer talks about Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree and plans to break the cycle of
taking and become a giver instead. Describe a person (family member, community member, or
entertainer) who is a giver and continues to give even though they receive only self-satisfaction in
return. How can you emulate this person and become more of a giver?
Diary 139: Graduation Class Speaker
This writer dreams of becoming the first in her family to graduate from high school. The writer talks
about inspiration coming from both positive and negative influences. We are inspired by people
around us through either their positive actions or their negative actions. Describe someone whose
actions inspire you to become a better person.
Diary 140: From Drugs to Honors
This Freedom Writer hated going to rehab but came to realize it was the right decision. Describe a
time that you had to do something that you “hated” but looking back later realized that it was the best
thing for you.
Diary 141: Overcoming the Odds
Though cystic fibrosis is debilitating, it did not stop this writer from achieving a goal; it merely forced
the writer down a different path. There are many people who overcome their physical or medical
issues to achieve. Describe a person you know or know of who has overcome a physical or medical
issue to achieve their goal and thus become an inspiration.
Diary 142: Graduation
This Freedom Writer looks back on four years with Ms. Gruwell and admits no one could have
predicted the success of the Freedom Writers from the first day of freshman year. The writer talks
about Room 203 as the focal point for bringing a group of people together who normally would not
socialize with one another. Describe a place or group that you are a part of where you connect with
people who are different from you. How did those connections form?
Epilogue
In the final paragraph of Ms. Gruwell’s Epilogue, the book is described as “the third leg of a relay
race.” Describe something specific you are willing to do to act as the fourth leg of the relay race and
be a catalyst for change and acceptance in your own community.