Reviews
Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
“…has insights into the adolescent learning mode that, if universally applied, might reverse the deterioration of public education… colorful and soberingly realistic.”
Publisher’s Weekly
“…brings a refreshing voice to the discussion about what works in teaching, learning and institutional change… with humor, insight, and respect for pragmatism.”
“…combines fine description, giving the essence of teenage life… and thoughtful observation. The evocative scenes of school corridors are so true you can nearly smell them… an A-1 effort by a heroic teacher/author.”
San Francisco Chronicle
“Perhaps the most useful perspective on school reform…”
Booklist
“… an insightful, humorous glimpse into the simultaneously frustrating and delightful humanity of the academic process. Required reading for educators of all stripes.”
“…wonderfully written, it was hard to put down.”
“Offers a teacher’s perspective on what happens in high school classrooms… with both punch and spark.”
Education Next
“…compelling stories of students once on the brink of academic failure who have thrived… illustrate the argument in favor of creating smaller schools: students get personal attention, individualized learning plans, and grades based on long-term projects and performance-based graduation requirements.”
“…an important contribution to the body of knowledge in the history of school reform.”
Schools: Studies in Education
“… offers something for educators at all stages of their professional lives. In an era when proponents of thoughtful change are often viewed with distrust if not outright hostility, Nehring subtly reasserts the integrity and ethics of an alternative mode of teaching.”
Teachers College Record
“…any teacher would enjoy this book because it inspires and encourages contemplation. It causes readers to reflect on why they chose to teach and on the undulations of change they experience as part of that life journey.”
Alfie Kohn, author of “The Schools Our Children Deserve” and “Feel-Bad Education”
“… a page turner not only because of his engaging style but because it's peppered with thoughtful observations about what it means to teach well.”
Jonathan Kozol, National Book Award winner and author of "Savage Inequalities" and "Death at an Early Age"
“… one of the most compelling books on education that I've read in years… but I hope I'll be forgiven for the pleasure that I took in reading it mostly as a real good story—an ethical and intellectual adventure.”
