Addressed to parents and teachers, the book considers the problem of underachievers. After a review of the problem, tests, and what they show, overinvolved and involved parents, self esteem and self image, and childhood rebellion are treated. Also considered are the following: the wrong school and wrong teacher, reading instruction, the disadvantaged child, what Washington is doing to help, and the isolated instances of physical cause. Programs in the schools of Port Chester, New York, in the communities of Winnetka and Glencoe, Illinois, and at Sands Point, New York (where the author is headmaster) are explained; the role of educational publishers and of media products and programed materials is considered; and the social and educational climate of our times is discussed. A 112-item bibliography, anecdotes, and references to research studies are provided. (JD)