This book examines the maligned students who populate urban schools and finds a talented group of resilient young people who deserve the support of the larger society. The editors and authors explore the ways such students are undermined, in the process developing new ways of teaching based on an understanding and appreciation of them. Contemporary political leaders have used the fear of the poor, non-white, and immigrant city kids we study here to push racist and class-biased social and educational agendas. This book challenges these tactics, while laying out a pedagogy of respect and hope.