Born in China, Yong Zhao is now a distinguished professor at Michigan state University. He is intimately acquainted with both Chimes and American cultures and as such, provides a contemporary view of what global challenges face the U.S.. He is an admirer of the long tradition in the U.S. of creativity and higher-level thinking that has produced a nation at the top of the world, but in the past ten years, with increasing competition just to pass tests, he warns that the “edge” may be lost. His prescriptions for American education are to help young people understand other cultures, speak other languages, and in particular, understand the new rules of engagement in the global world of technology. It is comforting to read someone with this larger perspective, particularly when listening to the conflicting voices of behavioral teaching vs. constructivist education. The author is squarely in the latter camp and we can all hope that innovations and excellence notions will return to our public education in place of struggling to reach minimums. An interesting and broadening read.