'...Carol Fuller combines a detailed, sensitive and often vivid account of the lives and aspirations of the young women she studied with an insightful perspective on contemporary sociological theory. The interplay between their own hopes and plans, their relationships with their families and the wider social and cultural situation they are in is handled with insight and understanding.' Paul Croll, Bulmershe Professor of Education, University of Reading, UK

'The girls truly come to life before us! Fuller successfully teases out the complex tangle of mechanisms - from the girls themselves to their families, teachers, and peers - that leads some girls to withdraw or challenge, and others to aspire to succeed. No doubt, Fuller's book is set to become just as influential as Paul Willis' Learning to Labour, revealing for the lasses what Willis revealed for the lads. I would recommend it to anyone, not just specialists!' Roberto Franzosi, Professor of Sociology, Emory University, USA

'This is a competently handled book which raises important issues for teachers, policy makers and researchers...I would certainly recommend it to postgraduate and research students, and to those interested in developing an overview of social class, gender and educational aspirations.'

British Journal of Educational Studies