I have my friend, Janice Gerson, to thank for introducing me to this lovely book. A smash in 1981 in Japan, the book is an autobiographical account of Kuroyanagi, who was Japan’s equivalent of Oprah. Gorwing up in World War II, she was expelled from school in first grade and placed in what turned out to be the most engaging and beautiful “special” school that recognized her uniqueness. I had tears in my eyes reading this book – as the school, Tomoe Gakuen, and its headmaster, Mr. Kobayashi, represent all that education can be. This may be one of the most touching books I have ever read, and I have sending copies to scores of friends.