Educating young people to give them alternatives to violence for their futures is explored in this examination of the causes of violence in schools and society and possible solutions. The challenge is one of moving from cultures that condone violence and intolerance of difference to cultures that are both more tolerant and more peaceful. Part I of this book, "Questioning Fatalism and Impoverished Social Imagination," begins by questioning assumptions that have been made about society and schooling. This section stresses the importance of listening to young people and their thoughts about the future. Part II, "Expanding Our Ways of Knowing and Vocabularies of Hope," contains chapters on reconceptualizing literacy for education for the student's future, becoming aware of the cultural editing that exists, and building vocabularies of hope for young people. Part III, "Encouraging Forward-Thinking, Life-Affirming and Empowering Principles and Practices," contains chapters on educating for sustainable futures and cultures of peace and a final chapter of practical suggestions for hopeful education. (Contains 45 figures, 30 tables, 28 boxes, and numerous references.) (SLD)