Impressive…He listens.

—Newsweek

This is the creative process, the stuff of art…Has exuberantly blazed new trails in education.

—Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bernie Schein is a genius—the best teacher I have ever seen.

—Pat Conroy, bestselling author of The Water Is Wide

With this bold, intimate story about the power of love, authenticity, and caring to ignite real education, Bernie Schein offers us a front row seat in his classroom—if we can stand the heat. And Schein’s formula is so simple: He midwives the innate wisdom and goodness of his students by risking to be himself and making it safe for them to do the same. Every teacher in America should read this book.

—Chris Mercogliano, author of Making It Up As We Go Along, Teaching the Restless, How to Grow a School, and In Defense of Childhood

Bernie Schein delivers a powerful message of hope for the youth and families of America.

—Mark Rosenberg, former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General

This book is compelling, not just because Bernie knows these kids so well, but because he is so good at putting into words what they think and feel and say.

—Frank Pittman, author of Grow Up!

Bernie Schein is a fire-carrier and a bliss-follower. He has altered almost every life he has touched with his light.

—Anne Rivers Siddon, author of Off Season

Bernie Schein has spent days, months, and school years of his life among American middle schoolers in a major Southern city. A little-understood and vaguely feared tribe, these hip, smart, middle-class suburban children have allowed their English teacher access to the secrets of their lives. He, in turn, has accepted their confidences with humanity, with humor, and with compassion. He now shares his glimpse into this remarkable world with a uniquely compelling book: a handy guide for interested on-lookers, an eye-opener for parents. Plus it’s a terrific read.

—Melissa Fay Greene, author of There Is No Me Without You