[close] Same-sex schools, although viewed by many as antiquated, are championed by many progressive thinkers, among them Michael Ruhlman. Rather than argue the merits of an all-boys' school, Ruhlman--with the support of headmaster (and writer) Richard A. Hawley--proves them by following students and teachers through the University School in Cleveland. For those of us whose high school days are but a distant memory, the stories are refreshing and fascinating, particularly when told through the narrative eye of Ruhlman, who does what the rarest of writers can do--takes a necessary topic and makes it compelling, even entertaining. [close]