What would a classroom look like if understanding and respecting differences in race, culture, beliefs, and opinions were at its heart? This special book offers a wealth of insights into the challenges of helping young students think critically and learn to make connections between their lives, the books they read, the community leaders they meet, and the larger world. If you were inspired to become a teacher because you wanted to change the world, and instead find yourself limited by teach-to-the-test pressures, this is the book that will make you think hard about how you spend your time with students. It offers no easy answers, just starting points for conversations about diversity and controversy in your classroom, as well as in the larger community.