Little Soldiers

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New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice; Real Simple Best of the Month; Library Journal Editors’ Pick. This hard-hitting exploration delves into China’s acclaimed yet insular education system, often seen as a model of academic excellence, raising crucial questions for American parenting and education. After Shanghai students topped international rankings in 2009, an American journalist of Chinese descent, Lenora Chu, observed the stark contrast between her boisterous toddler and the well-behaved Chinese children. Curious about the secret behind China's academic success, she enrolled her three-year-old son, Rainer, in a state-run public school. While he thrived, becoming fluent in Mandarin and making friends, troubling behaviors emerged. To understand the system, she interviewed parents, teachers, and education experts, uncovering a military-like approach driven by high-stakes testing, public rankings, and punitive measures for non-compliance. Despite these issues, she also found a government initiative aimed at easing students’ academic burdens. As she investigates further, Chu questions whether Chinese children—and her son—pay too high a price for their obedience and academic promise. She challenges readers to consider what Westerners might learn from China’s education journey while contemplating the true value and purpose of education.