This eminently readable book, poignant and humorous, quickly draws the reader into the scholastic world of high school students. Based on classroom observation and over 100 interviews, this study is a fascinating look at the challenges in getting middle-class adolescents to engage with their high school education. They Always Test Us On Things We Haven't Read offers a refreshing perspective on the mainstream American high school experience. It sends a powerful message to those interested in making curriculum more interesting and engaging. The book will appeal largely to teachers, but the clarity and depth of the text also make it valuable for anyone interested in school reform.