'Savage Inequalities' was about school finance, and 'Amazing Grace' primarily dealt with medical and social injustices in New York. But with 'Ordinary Resurrections,' I had no predetermined agenda. When I met with the children, I was not in pursuit of any line of thinking. In our conversations, I let them lead me where they wanted to go.

The quote "'Savage Inequalities' was about school finance, and 'Amazing Grace' primarily dealt with medical and social injustices in New York. But with 'Ordinary Resurrections,' I had no predetermined agenda. When I met with the children, I was not in pursuit of any line of thinking. In our conversations, I let them lead me where they wanted to go." by Jonathan Kozol reflects his evolving approach to writing and social justice. Kozol, an American author and educator, is best known for his works that highlight systemic inequalities in education, healthcare, and social structures. In this quote, he distinguishes his method in Ordinary Resurrections from his earlier works, where he approached social issues with a specific agenda or focus.

In Savage Inequalities, Kozol explored the disparities in school funding and the unequal educational opportunities for children in underprivileged communities, while in Amazing Grace, he focused on the medical and social challenges faced by residents in the South Bronx, particularly regarding poverty and healthcare. Both books have a strong investigative and advocacy-driven perspective. However, in Ordinary Resurrections, Kozol adopted a more open and organic approach, choosing not to dictate the narrative or outcomes. Instead, he allowed the children he interacted with to shape the direction of the conversations, embracing a listening approach that prioritized their voices and lived experiences.

Kozol's approach in Ordinary Resurrections reflects his desire to move beyond a fixed agenda and to truly understand the lives of the children he worked with. He acknowledges that while his earlier works were rooted in detailed research and social criticism, in this book, he sought to honor the stories of these children on their own terms, without imposing preconceived notions. By doing so, he emphasizes the importance of empathy and authentic connection in understanding the realities of marginalized communities.

This shift in perspective aligns with Kozol’s broader commitment to social justice and educational equity. Throughout his career, he has been an outspoken advocate for children's rights, particularly in underserved communities. His work encourages readers to listen attentively to the voices of those who are often overlooked, giving them the agency to define their own experiences, as he did with the children in Ordinary Resurrections.