30 review for They Call Me Mr. De: The Story of Columbine's Heart, Resilience, and Recovery

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Rachel Elizabeth – May 06, 2019

   I am so proud of my principal. This was absolutely incredible.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Katie Lesoine – Apr 08, 2019

   Wow. Powerful. All educators and parents should read this. As a child who was in high school during the events at Columbine, this was more powerful than i could have expected.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Mark – Aug 13, 2019

   Full Disclosure: My two children graduated from Columbine High School and my son was in the school on April 20, 1999. I knew Frank DeAngelis and worked with him on a parent/teacher advisory board at Columbine for several years. If you want to understand the Columbine tragedy and gain insight to the many mass shootings since then this book will help you. For Columbine specifically, I would recommend this book as well as "Columbine" by Dave Cullen. Each book takes an accurate look at all the event Full Disclosure: My two children graduated from Columbine High School and my son was in the school on April 20, 1999. I knew Frank DeAngelis and worked with him on a parent/teacher advisory board at Columbine for several years. If you want to understand the Columbine tragedy and gain insight to the many mass shootings since then this book will help you. For Columbine specifically, I would recommend this book as well as "Columbine" by Dave Cullen. Each book takes an accurate look at all the events surrounding Columbine and dispel some of the myths surrounding those horrible events. This is an honest look at the tragedy and how it affected 'Mr. De' for many years after. I was witness to his care for the students and school, he seemed to be everywhere. I have trouble recalling a student event, athletic or otherwise, where Mr. De was not in attendance. His descriptions of the time he put into the students is accurate and he discusses the sometimes detrimental effect on his health and family. He really was at the school most days until 9 or 10pm. Throughout the book Mr. De stresses remembering the victims and describes the efforts he makes to that end. It is clearly important to him and his actions towards the victim's families demonstrate his commitment. He also gives his perspective on some of the larger societal issues around education that is valuable because of the exposure (in many cases world wide) that Columbine has given him. The book is well laid out with a compelling narrative that takes the reader on the journey towards healing that Mr. De was forced to travel. His struggles, failures, successes and constant emotional investment are all there. It is an honest and moving story.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Katie Connolly – Apr 03, 2019

   I highly recommend this book! Frank DeAngelis is an engaging storyteller, and you can tell through the entire book how much he cares about his students and his school. I was young when Columbine happened, so I never learned too much about it. This book was really informative with a lot of background and inside information that I wouldn’t have learned just by looking info up online. Definitely have tissues ready though, this was a tough read emotionally!

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Kate – Apr 15, 2019

   Grab a few tissues before you dive into this one!

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Cathy – Jun 04, 2019

   Not a great piece of literature but an interesting read by a man whom I have long admired. He is very loving, folksy, loving, quick to give praise to all sorts of people who have crossed his path in a significant way. He makes a lot of nerdy jokes, but also gets at the impact of the Columbine shooting. He minces no words about the shooters and the horror they unleashed. He talks about the day of the shooting, gives a summary of the timeline & strategies used, the terror of it. He addresses the h Not a great piece of literature but an interesting read by a man whom I have long admired. He is very loving, folksy, loving, quick to give praise to all sorts of people who have crossed his path in a significant way. He makes a lot of nerdy jokes, but also gets at the impact of the Columbine shooting. He minces no words about the shooters and the horror they unleashed. He talks about the day of the shooting, gives a summary of the timeline & strategies used, the terror of it. He addresses the heartbreak of seeing Columbine so misrepresented by media, the frustration of giving a three-hour interview and then seeing just a few sentences quoted, perhaps to support another slant than he intended. Mr. De reminds us about the shooters' original plan for the bombs; if those had been successful, not only would the cafeteria have blown but the floor above would have collapsed and perhaps hundreds would have been killed; their intent was to be outdoors and shoot people as they ran out after the bomb exploded. He talks about how successful in school the two of them were; after watching The Basement tapes, he realized the real evil of them and is sad the tapes were destroyed because of their potential use to a select group of authorities who could be aided in the present & future by them.

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Bonnie Randall – May 13, 2019

   In the 20 years since Columbine became synonymous with school shootings, there has been so much written about the killers; true crime fraught with speculation and salacious, gory details. DeAngelis' memoir does none of that. Written with grace, humility, and unashamed of the faith he shares liberally, Frank is passionate about the learning that can be derived from an experience of horror and deep, deep sorrow. He is a crusader for prevention, and understands (perhaps better than anybody) how prev In the 20 years since Columbine became synonymous with school shootings, there has been so much written about the killers; true crime fraught with speculation and salacious, gory details. DeAngelis' memoir does none of that. Written with grace, humility, and unashamed of the faith he shares liberally, Frank is passionate about the learning that can be derived from an experience of horror and deep, deep sorrow. He is a crusader for prevention, and understands (perhaps better than anybody) how preventing events like what happened at Columbine far transcends the one-dimensional approach of gun control. (Not to say gun laws aren't something - they are just far from the only thing). For anyone who wants to understand how a devoted professional survives, and thrives, after the Worst Thing happens, this memoir is a must. 4 stars

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Lori – Jun 17, 2019

   3.5 stars. I loved how this book focused on healing and leadership after the horrific shootings at Columbine. Even though I've lived in Colorado my entire life, I learned new things about my community, and especially about Frank DeAngelis that made me appreciate him even more. I'm grateful he wrote this book, clearing up some misconceptions about the culture at his school and speaking to his motivations about staying at Columbine. I would have given this book a higher rating if it hadn't been a 3.5 stars. I loved how this book focused on healing and leadership after the horrific shootings at Columbine. Even though I've lived in Colorado my entire life, I learned new things about my community, and especially about Frank DeAngelis that made me appreciate him even more. I'm grateful he wrote this book, clearing up some misconceptions about the culture at his school and speaking to his motivations about staying at Columbine. I would have given this book a higher rating if it hadn't been a bit repetitious, but its theme bears repeating. At the end, I found myself grateful that this man rose above his personal pain and trauma to help ALL of us heal. As the book shows, DeAngelis continues to use his experience to help others impacted by school shootings and to use the lessons from Columbine as a way forward. He is a great example of leading forward to light through love.

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Paige Reid – Aug 08, 2019

   I am not yet finished with this book, however I am over halfway done with it. This past school year my whole school had an assembly on the Rachel Scott Challenge and I thought it was super inspiring. I then came across this book and knew I wanted to read it. I think this book is truly inspiring and enlightening about what happened at Columbine that day and leading up to that day. I do believe everyone needs to read this especially school principals. I would recommend this book to just about ever I am not yet finished with this book, however I am over halfway done with it. This past school year my whole school had an assembly on the Rachel Scott Challenge and I thought it was super inspiring. I then came across this book and knew I wanted to read it. I think this book is truly inspiring and enlightening about what happened at Columbine that day and leading up to that day. I do believe everyone needs to read this especially school principals. I would recommend this book to just about everyone because it tells a story about the Beloved 13 and not the killers that are always constantly talked about in mass shootings everywhere.

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Erica – Jan 18, 2020

    The style of writing didn't work for me personally. It felt more conversational. It was hard to get into. I knew a lot of the stuff he talked about from other sources so, given the conversational tone and the info I already knew, it felt like a retread. That said, he certainly is someone I admire. He's been through a lot and has done so much for his community and others touched by gun violence. It's interesting to hear his thoughts. I was glad, too, that he ended with a chapter dedicated to some The style of writing didn't work for me personally. It felt more conversational. It was hard to get into. I knew a lot of the stuff he talked about from other sources so, given the conversational tone and the info I already knew, it felt like a retread. That said, he certainly is someone I admire. He's been through a lot and has done so much for his community and others touched by gun violence. It's interesting to hear his thoughts. I was glad, too, that he ended with a chapter dedicated to some words about the victims.

11. 

    5 out of 5

    Leighann – Jun 08, 2019

    My Dad passed along this book and said it should be required reading for all high school administrators. I have to agree. Mr. De was the principal at Columbine in 1999 when 13 lost their lives. Not only did it change him and his school, it changed education and our schools forever. (Lockdown drills, barriers and lights out were not part of my early career as an educator!) His journey of recovery as a school and personally and how he remained a beloved educator is inspiring and proves that the be My Dad passed along this book and said it should be required reading for all high school administrators. I have to agree. Mr. De was the principal at Columbine in 1999 when 13 lost their lives. Not only did it change him and his school, it changed education and our schools forever. (Lockdown drills, barriers and lights out were not part of my early career as an educator!) His journey of recovery as a school and personally and how he remained a beloved educator is inspiring and proves that the best leaders lead with their hearts!

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Shelby – Feb 14, 2020

    This book is a amazing book, and I would highly recommend this book. The way Frank DeAngelis described the scene made you feel as if you were going through the heart ache with the community. When I read this book it really gave me a better perspective on what actually happen that day. I never really realized how manipulative the media can be. Through this book I learned a lot of life lessons that I can implement in my own life now.

13. 

    5 out of 5

    Wendy Van Dyk – Mar 31, 2019

    I loved this book where Frank DeAngelis tells his own personal story of the Columbine tragedy and the recovery efforts. He gives us details of his state of mind and emotional health and how he helped the community to heal. Frank gives us insight into the struggles the whole community faced and honors the victims through his book.

14. 

    5 out of 5

    Nicole Tegtman – Dec 08, 2019

    A great insight into the mind of Frank DeAngelis, the former principal of Columbine High School. A look at what truly happened with the Columbine massacre, changes made afterward. I encourage all to read this book. I love my school and my principal. WE ARE COLUMBINE!

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Linda Dean – Nov 27, 2019

    Must read for anyone in education. Chapter 23, State of Public Education, is especially significant.

16. 

    4 out of 5

    Sammie – Jul 17, 2019

    Love this book! Everyone working in education should read this book! Mr. De is a great man and this gives an insight into why his students love him so much.

17. 

    5 out of 5

    Ashley Vinje – Aug 11, 2019

    To read Frank’s story was difficult and inspiring. His love for his students was amazing. A book that all should read-teachers, parents, politicians, human beings. Relationships matter❤️

18. 

    4 out of 5

    June –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Thomas Street –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Sarah Reese –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Madeline Daniels –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Stephanie McCullough –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Lewis –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Eva –

25. 

    4 out of 5

    Taylor Gross –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Teresa –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    Gabi Tibbo –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Stephanie Borders –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Andrea –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Barbara –