The book by the famous American educator and writer John Gatto exposes the evils of the compulsory public school education system and criticizes its basic postulates. According to the author, school expansion deprives children of the free time they need to independently explore the world and real life. Instead, they learn to follow orders without question and to be well-functioning cogs in the machine of industrial society.

Self-knowledge, participation in real life with its real problems, the opportunity to exercise independence and gain experience in different areas of life - this is what would allow children to break through the shackles of modern conformist society. The author calls for limiting the influence of school on the child, finding ways to involve children and families in the real life of society.

The book is addressed to a wide range of readers.