James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse: The Unprosecuted Crime Against Children

by Shafter Bailey

Paul Eversole spearheaded his campaign for governor with his promise to reform K-12 education or die trying. To keep his promise Governor-elect Eversole must overcome the Kentucky General Assembly, which has a reputation for amending such promises down to status quo. Lobbyists with deep pockets and related professional organizations have also expressed opposition to his reforms.

If Governor Eversole is successful, his reforms will scrap the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), and they will rebuild K-12 education on a solid foundation of courses known to the "Greatest Generation" as the Three R's. His reforms also limit instructional practices in the classroom to the ancient principles of teaching and learning.

James Ed Hoskins initiates the first of many battles that the gubernatorial reforms will encounter in the legislative process. At a staff meeting, he questions his supervisor. Her summary of the information that her staff had collected from focus groups in school districts across Kentucky did not include the meritorious suggestions. She gives him a curt non-answer. He reminds her that Governor Eversole is a businessman, and he urges her to assist him in every way possible with the K-12 experience on her staff. "With our help," James Ed concludes, "we can at least give him a fighting chance to keep his promise.

Genres: Drama, Contemporary, Book Club, Novels

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2023

Reviews

[Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse: The Unprosecuted Crime Against Children by Shafter Bailey is a compelling read based on improving Kentucky’s K-12 educational system and incorporating a new-age learning method. However, there is massive pushback from the major players but James Ed Hoskins is determined to bring better education to all.

Concisely written and plot-driven, James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse: The Unprosecuted Crime Against Children is an eye-opener for those contemplating making a difference but are too afraid to do so. James’ character is strong-willed and charming and I liked how passionate he was about giving the children a voice of their own. James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse is an inspirational story that will leave readers with a lot to think about. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading Shafter Bailey’s other works, too.

[Solopet · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse by Shafter Bailey is an engaging story about determination to fight for better educational opportunities and infrastructure. The book follows Governor Paul Eversole as he works to reform Kentucky’s K-12 school system. He plans to update and redesign the educational system for better learning outcomes.

Our central character, James Ed Hoskins, is critical in helping the governor’s mission. His experience involves pushing for meaningful change in the educational scenario despite facing political challenges. The author has kept the storytelling engaging and relatable, blending educational discussions with the sharing of relevant experiences that enlighten the real and actual challenges involved while planning or being part of these reforms.

As an educator, I can deeply relate to many instances mentioned in it and understand the authenticity the author has provided while drafting the details. The intricate details and correct hierarchical order for passing reforms are aptly explained for the universal educational system.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hero fighting for what is right and fair

Kentucky author Shafter Bailey is a retired educator who has served as executive director of the Governor's Council on Vocational Education. His literary acclaim includes seven books reflecting his interests in the military (he is a US Marine Corps veteran) as well as in education and personal development.

Bailey deftly depicts the growth of his primary character – James Ed Hoskins – both as a powerful educator and a proponent of quality growth for his students, inserting his personal marriage conflicts that make his character even more credible. Having established his ‘hero’ Bailey then shares the theme of the novel – education challenges. ‘Paul Eversole spearheaded his campaign for governor with his promise to reform K-12 education or die trying. To keep his promise Governor-elect Eversole must overcome the Kentucky General Assembly, which has a reputation for amending such promises down to status quo. Lobbyists with deep pockets and related professional organizations have also expressed opposition to his reforms.’ James Ed Hoskins is the leader to accept the role of champion of Eversole’s plan.

Related in a fine novel format, this story exudes compassion for the importance of public education on many levels. As is Bailey signature trait as a writer, this book captures and maintains attention from the first page to the last. Very highly recommended!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot in this book.
A Teacher of the Year multiple times, James Ed, has an idea to bring Kentucky K-12 schools to the highest rank. However, he is being stymied by his boss, Penny Jones. James Ed is divorced from his love, Samantha, after cheating on her. However, he claims he never stopped loving her. Meanwhile, he is having affairs with married women.
James Ed's plan to improve schools is to go back to the one room schoolhouse concept. He claims it will save money, increase pay for schools, reduce class size, and rocket Kentucky to #1 in the US. This part of the book was long winded and wordy.
Then corruption, blackmail, and revenge all enter the picture. However, James Ed can't be persuaded to change his morals --yet this is the same man who cheated on his wife and sleeps with married women. An education bill overhaul is passed with lightning speed.
I think a radical plan will have to be implemented to catapult KY schools out of their 47th position in education, but this one isn't it.
I thought this book was over the top on so many levels, and it wasn't realistic.

[Swati Tanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shafter Bailey’s James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse is all about determination and making a real difference. It tells the story of Governor Paul Eversole’s mission to fix Kentucky’s K-12 schools, focusing on giving kids a better education and ditching old, outdated systems.

James Ed Hoskins plays a big role, standing by the governor and fighting for change, even when politics and red tape get in the way. Bailey does a great job keeping it interesting by blending talks about education with personal stories, making it easy to connect with.

If you’re into education or leadership, this book is a great reminder of how much impact someone can have by standing up for what’s right.

You might like to check out more similar books here.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shafter Bailey's contemporary Christian novel, James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse: The Unprosecuted Crime Against Children, is an essential read that boldly addresses the urgent need for reform in Kentucky’s K-12 educational system through innovative learning methods. Despite facing significant opposition from powerful entities, James was unwavering in his commitment to the education of all children.

James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse is an inspirational story that demands that readers reflect deeply on the importance of educational reform and the courage it takes to initiate change. I enjoyed this novel as much as I have some of Shafter Bailey’s other works. He is definitely a reader you will want to follow.

[Cliffed · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Ed Hoskins is about making a difference, standing with the governor and
fighting for a change no matter the obstacles in the way!
It Is powerfully written, and keeps you gripped to see how they fight for a better
education and better opportunities for Kentucky’s K-12 educational system. It’s
fascinating to see how James is so determined and brave and giving the children
a voice. It is so inspiring and makes you want to keep reading to see the outcome.
If you like empowering and leadership stories then this is the one for you.

[Soniaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is regarding the fight for a better educational system and opportunities for students at Kentucky’s K-12 school. The author was telling us the plans he had for a better educational system for better learning outcomes. Hoskins plays the crucial role of helping the governors mission. This is a well written blend of educational discussion and experiences of real life scenarios. This page turner of a book by Bailey really captured my attention as I have a passion for education and growth, this was definitely the one for me so I personally recommend this

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Ed Hoskins and the One-Room Schoolhouse: The Unprosecuted Crime Against Children by Shafter Bailey is an interesting read and captures your attention right away. The writing is crisp and concise and propels the narrative along nicely. I was a little surprised by some of the salacious material, but it did help give a sense of realism to the story. Overall, this is an interesting read about a topic that is not often covered. A good read and quite interesting.

[Lucyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making a difference, fighting for change, fight for better, look no further this is the book for you!
Bailey has wrote this book so powerfully it was an eye opener for me. How he fought with such
passion to give the children of Kentucky’s K-12 a voice and a better educational system. This
book really inspired me and showed that anything is possible if you’re determined and
passionate enough.
So if you’re into power, leadership and standing up for what you believe look no further!