Rafe Esquith is a brilliant teacher and an incredibly hard-working public servant, but despite all that, he comes off as a total (excuse my language) asshole. The vitriol! The narcissism! The disdainful, self-righteous mockery of anyone who doesn't share his talents and beliefs!

This is not what I expected from Mr. Esquith. And, to be fair, in the book he acknowledges that he's not perfect and still strives to be kind to others. I'd like to think that this, his first book, was a kind of exorcism of his frustrations, and that he has since let go of some of his anger and spite. I hope he's made a lot of money and isn't struggling so much financially, because I'm well aware of how financial struggle can wear away your peace of mind and make you feel like the world is against you. Esquith certainly seems to believe that even some of the people who believe in him are only interested in wasting his time or getting in his way.

But I'm not telling you skip this book. In reading it, try to do something I think Rafe Esquith didn't do in writing it: give him the benefit of the doubt and trust that, even though his attitude can be appalling, he still has good ideas and is worth listening to. ( )

I found this book really inspirational when I was in a slump while earning my teacher certification. Esquith is living proof that kids in at-risk environments don't have to suffer in their education--it just requires sweat and dedication. It would be hard to believe his accomplishments over the years if I didn't, well, believe him. If I can be half as successful in the classroom as he is, I will be a very fortunate teacher. Watch The Hobart Shakespeareans for a nice complement to this book. ( )

Esquith was teaching in a school heeuphemistically calls Camelot whenhe had a life-changing moment andmade the move to a school he refersto as the Jungle. Hehas been wildly successful there by,primarily, making the students inhis classes work hard. I've spent timein Camelot, too, but that was many yearsago. Lately, I find myself thinking aboutgoing back into the schools. I've alwayswanted to teach in the Jungle(go figure!), soit was good timing to read this accountof Esquith's difficulties and successes. ( )

This has to be the best education book I've ever read. Rafe is thoughtful and thought-provoking, giving insight into his view of education. What a wonderful teacher! ( )

Very inspiring read. An iconoclast who rocks the foundation of the school system. It's easy to see why he disturbs people and the system. Esquith reminds us that we are almost all capable of more and better and this reminder stings the lazy and complacent. We get defensive instead of reflective. Like many great people, he probably will suffer more disdain than praise in the long run.
Great book for any teacher, parent or thoughtful person! ( )