This is a workmanlike summary of the way that social class is reproduced by way of public schooling, and is fine as it goes. Mr. Finn cites Paulo Freire at length, and I think it might be difficult to make sense of this book without having read Freire.

I use this book in an English Education course that I teach, and it is an especially powerful way for students to understand how principles of social justice can be enacted through literacy and language education.

Finn—an articulate and unapologetic advocate of liberal politics and economic, social, and educational equity—supports his arguments and analyses with abundant scholarship as well as his own personal experiences as an educator. He clearly shows how domesticating education perpetuates social, economic, and political hegemony, and he explains how an understanding of Paolo Freire’s theories of progressive pedagogy must inform any kind of movement to improve the US system of education.

Provocative and incendiary in the best possible way, Finn’s book should be required reading for ALL future teachers. ( )

One of the few education books that I find is relevant in so many different and non-education related conversations. The author is very compelling in his theory as to why some kids excel and others fail. A must read for all educators, especially those working in urban areas with visible minorities.

Excellent book--I couldn't put it down. Finn writes very simply about why we have to teach differently. Schools don't fail--they're designed to generate Good Workers. We need to create a different kind of school. ( )