Beginning school in the early 1940s, author Hall— young, black, and poor—was misjudged by a kindergarten teacher who predicted he would not “become much of anything.” As Hall proves in this lively memoir, she couldn’t have been more wrong. In eighth grade, he was chosen as class valedictorian, attained the honor roll throughout high school, and once again served as valedictorian and salutatorian. A fine singer, he joined a gospel quintet as a young teen. Tall and physically agile, he participated in all sports. His skills helped him enter Ohio University. After gaining a degree in education and serving in the Air Force Reserves, he began teaching in Cincinnati. With a master’s degree, he moved up to the assistant principal and principal positions. In one such post, he forbade teachers from paddling students and instituted counseling and other interventions. He was the first black principal at Glendale Elementary School in Ohio. Even after retirement, he continued to hold supervisory positions, moving to Florida and Georgia, enjoying each new step up the achievement ladder.