The book documents the dysfunctional educational conditions typically found in urban schools-deplorable low achievement, huge attainment gaps, and extremely high dropout rates. The schools seem impotent in solving these problems that have existed for decades, and it is getting worse despite numerous reforms. In essence, the cotton plantations have been replaced with school plantations (children held in the bondage of failing schools) and their crop is harvested by the prison plantations. Yet, the solutions are simple and inexpensive as demonstrated by turnaround schools that defy the excuses that money and socio-economic conditions are the culprits. The resources needed are all available; what is missing is competent and courageous leadership. In the meantime, the plague of hopelessness remains steadfast.