Many who pay attention to the world of education will recall the relatively recent scandal of T.M. Landry College Preparatory. This book delves into the full story of how this school that became much celebrated for getting poor black Louisiana students into elite colleges was actually one large con game largely run by the founder. The children were coached on test-taking and prepped for public displays rather than taught; their stories were not just embellished but often faked for sympathy; and some of the most successful graduates brought their success in with them late in their school careers. Even so, many wanted to believe in the seeming miracle, and for many students and families this ultimately had tragic results. This sobering book tells the story compellingly, highlighting the experiences of a handful of Landry students; reading it makes clear that truly helping students who are most in need requires much more than sympathetic portrayals and gimmicks.