This book does a great job of using Southlake, Texas as an example of what is happening to school boards all over the country. Hixenbaugh does a good job of outlining what happened and tried to be as impartial as possible - which is difficult when one side will not talk to journalists. I appreciate that he spends time towards the end of the book talking about the movement towards school vouchers and how destroying public schools is part of a bigger - but silent - plan.

Five-Stars for many reasons but also because there seems to be some Southlake residents bombarding the reviews even though they've never read it...? I think you're proving minor points in this book...but okay. & you call us sheep? Anyway..

This was probably one of the most stressful and aggravating books I have ever read. As a white cisgender female I recognize how incredibly privileged I am in many many ways (& you should too).

I have so much empathy and respect for those falling into any minority group that have to experience similar situations portrayed in Mike Hixenbaugh's book solely based on a foundation of something that cannot be described as anything but hate and discrimination on a day-to-day basis. Even more so for having to interact with those put in leadership positions that cannot even begin to register or understand the negative impact their tunnel vision decisions are having. Their entire argument can be turned around and made against themselves because it has no merit or grounding.

This is such an important read and I feel so strongly about these issues, especially being married to a Male Elementary school educator. I would recommend this to anyone but unfortunately, I know a few people who SHOULD read it but won't because they themselves can't seem to see the "opposing view" they preach.

They Came For the Schools by Mike Hixenbaugh-I had listened to journalist Mike Hixenbaugh's podcasts 'Southlake' and 'Grapevine' so I was very pleased to get an advance copy of his book that releases on May 14. This nonfiction book looks at the right-wing movement to influence local school boards for conservative Christian parents and community members. The Texas communities of Southlake & Grapevine-Colleyville as well as the state of Florida are the primary focus, with examples from other communities around the country. Some folks will disagree with the author's premise that this movement is a negative direction for schools and the country. I am not one of those folks and found the racism, homophobia, and transphobia of many people described in the book very disturbing and upsetting. America's public schools are for everyone.

Phenomenal book. It is so very sad what is happening in schools now. Would be fantastic if Hixenbaugh did a full book about the concerted efforts against library books.

A very well researched book on the way that politics are affecting and changing the public school system in Southlake, TX. It is an eye opening view on how outside forces have combined with the racism that had already been in the community, but not out in the open. Probably a much more interesting read for people who live in Texas, but it will give everyone an idea of the small and large issues facing public schools today.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

This book is incredibly timely and very scary. As a retired public educator, I've seen some of these issues in my high-end school district on the east coast. This book details the educational and social issues occurring as a result of a highly charged political atmosphere, steeped in fear and anxiety.. In the early 1950's teachers complained that their toughest problems were gum chewing during class and running in the halls. Oh how times have changed. The advent of cell phones, social media, and on-demand information provided in real time have connected parents and children in a way that has increased the fear and anxiety of so many. The topics that used to bind us together now divide us. The idea that we need to learn more about each other to better connect everyone has given rise to a fear of what we don't understand. There is more often now a belief that if you don't believe in something or agree with it, then no one else should be able to practice it, live it, experience it, etc. The changes in public schools, in this case a high achieving school in northern Texas, details why so many people moved there for the amazing education, but ended up feeling more ostracized and aggressed-upon. Money does not buy open-mindedness. This book should required reading by anyone connected to education. I was lucky enough to have been able to read an ARC copy of this book.

This was a really well done nonfiction book, it had a great message and was able to learn a lot about this. It’s scary to think about how they try to change schools. Mike Hixenbaugh does a great job in writing this and it was well researched.

Wow. I had no idea. This is really eye opening. I learned a lot from reading this. Thank you so much

Hixenbaugh is a reporter-- a senior investigative reporter for NBC News, co-creator of the "Southlake" and "Grapevine" podcasts to give you a little context.. I grabbed this. book up immediately and was so glad that I did!

This story takes place in Southlake, Texas, in a district that most would do anything to send their children. Like many highly sought after, wealthy enclaves, the parents are highly involved in the education of their children . Hixenbaugh provides an in-depth reporting of a story that we are all living in today - the politicizing of school curriculums, where private groups ignite the citizenship and school boards become a battl ground.

While reading reviews, I learned that the description are very much in turn with what transpired (and still is) in town. I loved that - it's so rare to hear that the descriptions in the book, especially one about controversy rings true. If you have been following book banning, school board wars and the general politicization of personal beliefs, this book is for you!
.#marinerbooks #theycamefortheschools #mikehienbaugh

They Came for the Schools is an in depth look into a small town and the effects politics, extremism and fear can have on people and their communities. Mike Hixenbaugh expands from his podcast Southlake into his own town by looking at the issues plaguing his own town and showing the political descent of his neighbors and the surrounding schools and other parts of the community.

As a resident of the school district that this book is primarily about, I read the preview copy with great interest. Knowing some of the people involved and how things came about and spiralled out of control, I found the facts in this well-documented book to sadly be an accurate portrayal of issues within our school system. Having lived in the area for 3 decades, I know the information in the book and podcasts is correct.
Overall, an eye-opening book about current politics about trigger issues in public schools all over the country, not just in Texas.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this important book.