A passionate essay by a maverick educator on the need to protect the unique spark-the "inner wildness"-that animates every child
The pressures of modern life are increasingly squeezing the adventure, the wonder, the physicality-the juice -out of children's lives. Virtually every arena of kids' experience is now subject to some form of outside control, and this is a serious threat to the unique spark that animates every child. Lamenting risk-averse parents, overstructured school days, and a lack of playtime and solitude, this book is a clear and compelling plea to save childhood.
"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