This book relates a fictionalized year in the life of an elementary school. Told from the perspective of an elementary school principal, whose school is located in a poor, urban neighborhood, the stories portray the daily struggles of the children, teachers, and principal. Some of the themes explored include chaos and violence, problem students, teacher conflicts, lack of resources, battles with bureaucracy and unions, and the acceptance that comes to educators forced to face limitations, both personal and external. The stories function as metaphors for the frustrations and triumphs common to most urban schools, and the elements that work against educational goals. Emphasized here is the "human factor" and how it must be considered in any concept of school reform. (RJM)