YOUR CHILD'S STRENGTHS Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them

Jenifer Fox makes a compelling case that our education system ("an anxiety-producing machine") is not working for students. Because that system focuses on labeling and fixing weaknesses rather than on celebrating strengths, Fox argues, students' abilities get overlooked or negated, leading many to abandon interest in school altogether. Renée Raudman delivers Fox's provocative message—laced with plentiful anecdotes and illustrations—in sometimes curiously distracting tones that often strike the ear as plaintive or wistful-sounding. Her reenactments of conversations are better, though overall her soft-spoken voice can seem overly emotional in a way that may distract some listeners from Fox's material until they’re used to her style. Nonetheless, listeners will learn a lot from this provocative and practical book, which will strike a chord with many parents and teachers. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]