THIS SCHOOL IS DRIVING ME CRAZY

It seems at first that Hentoff, with his characteristically heavy hand, must be setting you up for an indictment of the anachronistic, dictatorial school that Sam's father heads and Sam, twelve, reluctantly attends. But if you know Hentoff's views on education you won't be surprised when Sam comes round in the end: "I guess he is a pretty good headmaster. . . . I mean, he really does take charge when he has to. And he's fair in school. . . ." His father gives a little too, allowing Sam to attend a different school next year "where I'll be just another kid"— but "It's funny. I almost want to stay here now." It's still a setup in any case, with the conversations of parents, teachers and kids (one is black) all contrived to represent different views and approaches. As for the plot, Sam is accused of shaking down a little kid but the real villains—three tough tenth graders who have been victimizing a number of younger boys—break down with such alacrity upon confrontation in the office that it's clear even the author isn't all that interested in his individuals and events.