In Skills Mania Bob Davis argues passionately that the emphasis in the secondary school classroom must shift from a technocratic, skills-based approach, to teaching and discussion that focuses on real, substantive issues. He also calls for a new emphasis on the teaching of history, a practice that has been sadly lacking in recent years. Two central qualities warm up this book: first the story is told through the author's own teaching, and second, the author presents us with an original and frank point of view. This is a stiring, engaged, and practical book.