This article, part of the magazine's annual book review issue, provides brief sketches of seven recently published books that focus on racial issues. (MLF)

Examines two books, "The Color of School Reform: Race, Politics, and the Challenge of Urban Education" and "Black Social Capital: The Politics of School Reform in Baltimore," both of which apply urban regime theory to a new policy arena, reconsider the role of business in local school politics, bring politics into…

Notes that Steinberg and Hall's book examines challenges and possibilities of transracial adoption, asserting that the work is the choice for white parents thinking about becoming or already in a transracial-adopted family, and for professionals working with parents and/or children in such families. Suggests that the book's only weakness stems…

Brief reviews of the 10 must-reads for school leaders, selected by editors from all the books reviewed in this issue. (MLF)

Notes that Crumble's book assists professionals in preparing families who adopt transracially and highlights the importance of understanding one's racial and cultural identity. Describes three areas of focus: complex issues involved in raising cultural issues, providing services to families, and staff attitudes and views. Highly recommends the…

Reviews "Education and Democratic Theory: Finding a Place for Community Participation in Public School Reform" (A. Belden Fields and Walter Feinberg) and "The Color of School Reform: Race, Politics, and the Challenge of Urban Education" (J. Henig, R. Hula, M. Orr, and D. Pedescleaux). Both books examine the political aspects of…

Herrnstein and Murray's "The Bell Curve" claims that IQ is hereditary and that African Americans consistently score 15 points lower than other racial groups. Coolly received by academics, the book is being warmly embraced by Republican politicians endorsing fiscal austerity and social mean-spiritedness. The book rationalizes a…