Tavares Gross is just starting first grade - but he's already way behind. He doesn't know his letters. He doesn't even know what a book is for. Unfortunately, Tavares is not alone.

Across the country, schools are struggling with their most basic job: teaching kids to read. Thirty-six percent of all fourth graders read below the "basic" level, meaning they can't understand a simple story, or they can barely read at all. What does it really take to turn our schools around?

In this PBS special, Morgan Freeman tells the intimate story of a tumultuous year at two vulnerable schools. It's a tale of hope, of faith, and of the power of committed adults to help shape the life of a child.

Available in DVD and VHS format.

Running time: 1 hour

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