Mercogliano is, in effect, a cultural therapist. . . offering fresh new ideas and creative solutions. Ultimately, he is what all good therapists are: a purveyor of hope.--Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia With deep insight, Mercogliano shows how our society is suppressing children's creative energies. But he also brings a positive message, showing how we can help young people break through conventional restraints and pursue their passions. This is a beautiful, searching, and inspiring book.--William Crain, author of Reclaiming Childhood: Letting Children Be Children in Our Achievement-Oriented Society A very strong and attractive book.--John Taylor Gatto, author of Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling Mercogliano's book, full of insight, enthusiasm and hope, is as readable and practical as it is illuminating.--Publisher's Weekly Recommended for academic libraries and large child development collections in public libraries.--Library Journal