We Want to Do More Than Survive

In We Want to Do More Than Survive, education scholar Bettina Love examines the state of education for students of color in America. She introduces the concept of "educational survival complex," which describes how schools prepare students to endure racism rather than thrive. Love draws from hip hop culture, civil rights history, and her experiences as both student and teacher to present her vision of "abolitionist teaching." The book outlines specific strategies and approaches for educators to move beyond basic survival toward genuine liberation and joy in education. Through research and personal narrative, Love demonstrates how systemic racism impacts every aspect of schooling, from curriculum to discipline policies. She profiles teachers and activists who exemplify the abolitionist teaching approach in their work for educational justice. The book presents a bold challenge to transform education through radical love and creativity rather than incremental reform. Love's framework connects contemporary struggles to historical movements while mapping a path toward schools that nurture the full humanity of all students.

Readers appreciate Love's concrete examples of abolitionist teaching in action and her clear framework for implementing anti-racist education practices. Many cite the book's balance of academic research with personal narrative, making complex concepts accessible. Positive reviews highlight: - Practical classroom strategies - Connection between historical context and current education system - Focus on joy and wellness, not just trauma - Strong citations and research base Common criticisms: - Academic language can be dense for non-educators - Some readers wanted more specific action steps - A few found the tone too confrontational Ratings: Goodreads: 4.47/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (500+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Offers hope while acknowledging hard truths" - Goodreads reviewer "Changed how I approach teaching" - Amazon reviewer "Could use more concrete examples for K-12 implementation" - Education blog review

Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks This text examines how education can be used as a practice of freedom and resistance in ways that parallel Love's focus on educational justice and liberation.

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire The foundational work establishes frameworks for understanding education as a tool for social transformation that informs Love's concepts of abolitionist teaching.

Race After Technology by Ruha Benjamin The book explores how racial inequality is built into technological systems and educational structures, connecting to Love's critique of systemic racism in education.

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris This research reveals how educational systems criminalize Black girls, expanding on Love's examination of how schools perpetuate racial injustice.

Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain by Zaretta Hammond The text bridges neuroscience and cultural learning, providing practical frameworks that complement Love's call for transformative educational practices.

🔷 Bettina Love coined the term "abolitionist teaching," which draws inspiration from the approaches of civil rights activists like Ella Baker and Fannie Lou Hamer to reimagine education. 🔷 The book's title challenges the concept of "educational survival complex," arguing that Black and Brown students deserve more than just surviving in the educational system—they deserve to thrive. 🔷 Dr. Love is the Athletic Association Endowed Professor at the University of Georgia and co-founder of the Abolitionist Teaching Network, which has reached over 80,000 educators. 🔷 The text explores the concept of "spirit murdering" in education—the systematic destruction of Black and Brown children's dreams, hopes, and dignity within school systems. 🔷 The book was awarded the 2020 Society of Professors of Education Outstanding Book Award and has been incorporated into teacher education programs across the United States.