The Modern School Movement: Anarchism and Education in the United States

Avrich expertly tells the tale of anarchist free schools in the U.S. by focusing on the interesting personalities that propelled the movement. He's such a good writer that this book feels like a "quick read" even at 400 pages. Anyone interested in radical and anarchist history would appreciate The Modern School Movement. One of its particular strengths is to highlight the constructive and nuturing aspects of a political movement that is popularly associated with bomb-throwing and chaos. Also, any parent or teacher who needs inspiration about alternative education will find a lot to think about. In our age of high-stakes testing and regimented schooling, we need visions of how education could truly serve to create independent and creative human beings. Highly recommended for readers who have enjoyed John Taylor Gatto's "Dumbing Us Down" or A. S. Neill's "Summerhill".