What can dropping a ping-pong ball down a pant leg tell us about the social class and ethnic tracking in public schools? How can a cab ride during a blizzard in New York City project another rationale for schooling? When do children's questions about flying whales on videotape suggest new ways to teach literacy?

Using stories from his everyday life, Patrick Shannon student, teacher, and parent--challenges traditional thinking about learning, literacy, and life. In text, lies, & video tape, Shannon refocuses the debate about schooling to the question of how we wish to live together.