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.