The title alone makes this provocative book difficult not to read, and the passion, brutal honesty, and keen perception McGill (former school superintendent; founder, Global Learning Alliance) brings to each page keeps readers engaged. This brilliant analysis of corporate school reform provides readers with a wealth of information and insight to become more effectively involved in the future of public education. Chapters include a frank discussion of the state of education, a brief history of educational reform, a sobering review of the testing wars, a look at the corporate reform agenda, the reality of charter schools, the need for faith in education, the missions of education for democracy, problems with teaching and teacher preparation, the need for an engaged learning community, and a view of the 21st-century school. In the end, McGill recommends a balanced approach involving business leaders, elected officials, and educators coming together to recognize the shortcomings in the current puzzle of public education and to outline a clear vision for the future. Finally, he encourages all citizens to "champion an education that develops human potential, encourages a generous social ethic, and creates a better world"; a "strategy of control and audit" is no longer a viable solution. Summing Up: Essential. All readers. --Kent Layton, University of Arkansas at Little Rock