1. Narrative Perspective: The book is told from the perspective of Erin Gruwell, portrayed as the protagonist and the English teacher who guides her students through the journey. In contrast, the movie shifts the narrative to focus more on the students' experiences and incorporates multiple viewpoints.
2. Character Depth: The book offers more in-depth character development of both Ms. Gruwell and her students. It explores their backgrounds, motivations, and struggles in greater detail, allowing the reader to understand them on a deeper level.
3. POV of students: The book provides more time for the students' perspectives to be shared. It shows their challenges outside the classroom, such as poverty, violence, and familial issues.
4. Impact of the Journal: The book emphasizes the significance of the students' journals more prominently. Through these journals, the students share their most intimate thoughts and experiences.
5. Classroom Dynamics: The movie portrays a more streamlined classroom environment. It simplifies some of the conflicts Ms. Gruwell faced, such as resistance from administration and colleagues, for a more concise narrative.
6. Inclusion and Omission: The book includes specific events, such as the class visit to the Holocaust Museum and a more substantial exploration of the students' lives outside of school, while the movie condenses or excludes some of these details.
7. Resolution of Conflict: While the movie ends on a positive note, it simplifies some of the ongoing struggles that Ms. Gruwell and her students continued to face. The book, on the other hand, delves more deeply into the ongoing challenges in the students' lives and highlights the long-term impact of the program.