Late CTU president Karen Lewis still making waves

• Her book also includes sharp accusations — old and new — against former mayor and re-emerging political contender Rahm Emanuel.

Flashback: UIC education professor Elizabeth Todd-Breland worked for years with Lewis on the book and finished it using transcripts of their conversations and public documents.

• The process lets Lewis' often unfiltered and mischievous voice come through as she recounts a fascinating childhood, political coming of age and colorful takes on recent Chicago history.

What they're saying: "I think [the book] is a hard check on Rahm and the way that he disrespected her," Todd-Breland said at a recent book launch event.

• "She is very direct in her critique of him, and her critique of his lack of love for our communities, broadly for children and Black and brown communities in particular."

Zoom in: The book recounts Emanuel's widely reported "f— you" to Lewis. She further alleges the former mayor:

• Told her over dinner that 25% of CPS students won't amount to anything and questioned why he should invest in them. Emanuel has denied saying that.

• Said he could get "50 f—ing rabbis" to explain why union delegates should vote on Rosh Hashanah despite the holiday. Lewis, a Jewish convert, described being appalled.

Yes, but: She also recalls Emanuel sending her matzo ball soup from Manny's after her stroke — though she questioned his motives.

The other side: Emanuel did not respond to Axios requests for comment on the allegations.

The bottom line: Love her or hate her, Lewis bent the trajectory of Chicago education and politics as we know it — and, boy, could she tell a story.