This review is based on the audio version.

My friend kept telling me about this book and finally passed it on to me when she finished. I've been listening on my commute, and sometimes even after I pull into my parking space. :D

Rafe Esquith teaches fifth grade in Los Angeles. His "Room 56" students aren't wealthy, nor has he become so teaching them. He spends all his money on things for the classroom. His students aren't necessarily "gifted" either, but they come away from his class changed people and well equipped to handle a lot that life will throw at them in the coming years. Like Jaime Escalante (of "Stand and Deliver" fame), he's dedicated and gives them a lot of extra time and effort in order to offer things for which today's educational environment (heavy on testing) leaves little room. This includes, among other things:
--a film club, where he introduces them to classics
--an orchestra/choir/drama troup called the "Hobart Shakespeareans" which performs SHAKESPEARE along with rock and classical music
--trips (to Washington, D.C., for example - which isn't offered until 8th grade in CA, not at all in many states)

Rafe offers a lot of practical advice in several areas, not the least of which are:
the discussion about what motivates children (people in general) to do things or not to do things.
how to build trust between him and his students, and between the students and each other
the analytical process he teaches the children, and
the mentoring he encourages (Students who learn to play an instrument then teach younger children.)
links to websites and information where to find quality materials to use
raising the money necessary for the extras he provides

Can you imagine:
students calling their teacher by his first name? (never, when I was kid)
teaching 10-year-olds economics/the value of money by charging your students RENT for their desk space? (BTW, that's not how he funds the extra-curricular activities. :D)
30 students waiting at an intersection even when the "walk" sign is in their favor/the light is green until the teacher gives the go-ahead?
former students returning year after year to visit to participate in extra activities and to help current students?
an elementary school teacher taking time and money to escort former students cross-country on a tour of prospective colleges?
30 students at an amusement park stepping aside so an elder can go ahead of them in line for food?

I remember my fifth grade year as being the best of my elementary years despite my father's death. Under the tutelage of an experienced, encouraging and creative teacher, we did a wide variety of activities and learned a great deal. Forty years later, I still remember a lot from that year, but it PALES in comparison to the things Esquith talks about doing with his students.

But far and away beyond that, the life lessons Esquith offers serve his students the rest of their lives. It's not just that they get to DO more, they learn SKILLS, like analysis, communication/writing and most especially how to treat others respectfully and work as part of a team.

If every teacher in America tried to implement just one or two things from this book, our schools - our STUDENTS - would be transformed.

If every parent, godparent, guardian, foster parent and influential adult practiced and demonstrated these things and so taught the children in their lives, the WORLD would be transformed.

NOTE: Esquith occasionally uses some colorful language.
NOTE 2: I found the reader occasionally distracting, just based on differences in syllable stressing - really minor stuff; also having access to the physical (or e-) book to reference the information would be nice, but it's a good listen.