Dr. Leiding addresses issues faced by schools in America today. She asks difficult questions and offers challenging answers to what students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders need here and now. It is refreshing to find an author that so clearly perceives the nature of the disease in the current educational systems, not just the symptoms of their dysfunction. This book is recommended reading for open-minded educators who want to help make the changes needed that will provide our children with greater opportunities for personal success in an ever-changing, competitive twenty-first century.

Sa-an Kubeyinje, media specialist, High School for the Recording Arts and Studio 4 recording artist, Minnesota

Darlene Leiding has once again proven why she is one of the country’s leading advocates for the rights of all children to receive a quality education. In her latest book, Leiding relates how important it is to defend the principles of a sound education against the wave of misguided educational issues. She is committed in the fight to improve our schools and strives to help all children learn through her clarity and sometimes-radical independence of thought.

Throughout her career, Darlene Leiding has been one step ahead of her peers in working with culturally diverse and academically disadvantaged students. American educators would be wise to take heed of Darlene Leiding’s thoughts on educating America’s youth. She has an important message about yesterday’s education system that is failing to educate today’s students.

John King, Ed.D., Sr. Vice President of Academic Affairs, University / Art & Design Group, Illinois

With each generation, we seek anew to adapt to the changing face of American education. Darlene Leiding burrows into the core of a problem and shows us the kernels of success. Her observations are crisp, insightful and highly relevant. They ring with the truth that comes from living her craft.

Scott Taylor, Ed.D., Small Business Management, South Central College, Washington, DC

If education is the door through which our children must pass to claim their rightful heritage as Americans, then this book is a much-needed resource that will enable parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to become involved. It takes all of us to offer encouragement and support when it comes to American education.

Mongsher M. Ly, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Urban Academy Charter School, Minnesota

Dr. Leiding has a passion for educating our youth and understands the dilemma today's youth have in acquiring a good quality education. She has worked with youth at risk and found ways to reach them, to ignite their passion to learn so they can graduate from school and continue to learn by furthering their education. She is one of those rare educators in this day and age where it is about the student, not the pay check, not the politics but what is best for her students. She understands the politics that have interfered with the educational system and how it has failed today's students. She has the understanding that comes with trial and error and then the successes of her students graduating and becoming productive citizens in today's society.

Mona Stegeman, accounting manager, RTS Shearing

Darlene's passion and concern for us is loving and infectious. She believes we are the future and we can succeed. Educators would be wise to listen to her thoughts on educating America's youth. Her approach was just the amount of encouragement us 3 needed to see it in ourselves to progress and eventually graduate. Darlene is a wise example of what a TEACHER should be.

Brittian Scott, Chris "Lost Cauz" Bryant, and Preston "Ruby" Scott, ThirdEye Entertainment Group, Minnesota