Freedom Writers is inspired by a true story and the diaries of real Long Beach teenagers after the LA riots.

Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) is a young woman whose passion to become a teacher is soon challenged by a group of students. Forced to work with the students Erin begins to understand that for these 'kids' getting through the day is enough - they are not delinquents but are fighting a war on the streets that began before they were born. Erin inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school.