First book we are discussing here is devoted to education and competing visions of how children learn. Amandas book, the smartest kids in the world and how they got that way takes us to north and poland. Rland, she does this through the eyes of three American Kids learning in those school systems. Analysis r a unique of this. L the Washington Post says is is the most iluminating book ive seen, and the New York Times says this managed to make our culture look strangely new. Trust me, the conclusions have insights for kids of all ages as important parents. Amanda is an investigative journal with the times. Hes also the author of the unthinkable who survives when disaster strikes and why. Please join me in welcoming Amanda Ripley. Thank you. Is great to be here on many levels. One reason is this is the city in which i live. The other reason is i grow most of my articles in the library of congress. It was the only place where i could find some focus and peace. I had a new baby at the time