Kristina Rizga embedded herself at Mission High School in San Francisco for four years to learn how this “failing” school had better outcomes for minorities than others in the district, sent 84 percent of its graduates to college, and had high-ranking parent and student satisfaction surveys. Through the stories of the students and teachers that she spoke with, we learn how one school tackles many of the big issues in education, including racial disparities, bullying, teacher performance and measurement and yes, standardized testing. The book, however, is so much more than that. Those same stories bring up questions of how even the smallest detail in the way we interact with others can affect their response to us. It offers examples of how colleagues can work closely to help both themselves to improve as well as the students they work with. It looks at how thinking through each step in a process can give it the intent and momentum needed to see it through to the end, and then to build on it. All the elements of the human condition are presented in the book – struggles, doubts, pain and suffering; and all the pathways through it are there as well – trust, relationship, presence, focused energy and dedication. Inspiring, heart-warming and informative.