This is an incredibly inspiring book for parents and teachers who want to bring out the best in their charges. I have to admit that my awe is tinged with just a bit of cynicism however. In "twenty-odd" years (times 30+ kids) of teaching, Rafe has "never" had a discipline problem? The implication is that someone who does have discipline problems is doing something wrong -- or more precisely isn't doing something right. That may be true in most cases but unless Rafe is Midas is a gravel pit, there have to be some kids who don't respond perfectly to even his admittedly top notch teaching style. Also, I'd like to know how many hours are in Rafe's (not to mention his students') day. He begins teaching an hour and a half before school starts and ends when the sun goes down -- and that's not when he's taking them to DisneyLand, New York, Chicago, or Oregon. His students practice music, poetry, and baseball in their "free" time. He is awe-inspiring but I guess I'd like a peek at the mechanics of how he fits it all in. But read it yourself and decide. It's DEFINITELY worth reading and thinking about.