by Rafe Esquith

"Terrific . . . Rafe Esquith is the most interesting and influential classroom teacher in the country, but he is not getting nearly as much glory as he deserves."
--Washington Post

"One of those magical teachers."
--Los Angeles Times

"From the moment I entered Rafe Esquith's fifth grade classroom, I knew it was a special place."
--Bill Whitaker, CBS news

Online Reviews

"Parents can't always be around, but they can do their best to make sure their children are spending time with a good role model. Rafe can't fit everyone in his classroom, so instead he's shared priceless information in Lighting Their Fires for educators and parents to help children everywhere succeed"
--Suite 101 Parenting 

"The most extraordinary characteristics of books written by Rafe Esquith is that he writes about using ordinary teaching techniques that generate phenomenal results. His impact is in direct relation to his making the children the center of the teaching versus making the testing requirements the focus."
--Suite 101 Reference Books 

"Seriously, this book is brilliant, and no review less than fifty pages long can hope to sum up its awesomeness. It's all the more inspiring that the author doesn't only expect the best from his students; he also expects the best from parents and educators. While he is the first to admit that it’s not easy polishing the gems in each child, that it takes a lot of effort and time, he does make it sound remarkably simple once the basic principles of his philosophy are understood."
--Blog Critics 

"Lighting Their Fires is both informative and entertaining, riddled with facts and helpful hints for everyone who works with children. This is a good read for anyone trying to help an ordinary child become extraordinary."
--Accuracy In Academia 

"Whether a new or seasoned parent or teacher, this book can provide all with ideas for instilling greatness in the next generation"
--SAGA 

"This book should be given at ALL baby showers to all new parents to be for Lighting Their Fires is that rarest of education books: one that explains not just how to make our children great students, but how to make them thoughtful and honorable people. Isn't that what we all really wish for our children? And if you start early, and follow Rafe's easy steps, it will happen!"
--Bless their Hearts Mom 

"This book was excellent. If you have children and you are looking for ways to fill their mind and just make them as smart as can be, read this book now. It is an excellent read. It gave me insight on things, I would never had thought of to get my child thinking. The book is so interesting in such the fact the author is telling you all this hints and tips narrated through his time at a ball game."
--Geek Girl Reviews