Notes that students today do not seem less prepared and less literate than students 30 years ago, but they do seem less loved and cared for. Uses examples of Morrie Schwartz, John Stanford, and one particular classroom community to argue that teachers must create classrooms in which empathy and reciprocity open the hearts and heads of students and teachers.

Global multi-cultural reader. Perspectives - short quotes at beginning of each chapter. Myths/folktales at beginning of each chapter. Includes some student essays. New: chapters on gender and pop culture; 2 essays in each chapter with potentially polarizing situations so students can practice argumentative writing; pedagogy offers increased attention to rhetorical strategies.