Why This Powerful Book Exposed the Flaws of Traditional Schooling (And Why Unschooling Feels like Freedom)
My most recent book is by British author Jessica George and it's one of the fastest books I have ever read. I started last Friday (7/2/2026) and finished this morning (7/9/2026).
The book is funny, relatable and gentle way to look into some deep topics like female friendship, motherhood and societal expectations to name a few.
As with every book, it's impossible to ignore the references to school and how this system is marketed to the masses vs how it's perceived by the people that have gone through it.
Here are the two quotes in this book that made me want to write this post:
"When Nova was failing school, it was Jackie who told her that the education system was flawed; that some kids were better suited for school than others and those who weren't were unfairly disregarded as stupid, difficult, or lazy. She told Nova to find something she was good at early, then build on it." p.34
"I believe what makes people discover their truest selves is creativity and individuality... If there exists any institution desperate to eradicate the two, it is the education system. There is nothing individual about being taught the same thing over and over again, and being praised for reaching the same answers and conclusions agreed upon by very boring people decades ago. And don't get me started on how schools explore creativity; the idea that one can be graded on art or music indicates there's a correct and incorrect way to do it; a process that must be adhered to in order to be graded high marks is oxymoronic in itself. How can you say, go forth! Be creative, young minds! Let it flow from within your heart and soul... but make sure you achieve X, Y, and Z, otherwise you won't have done it right. Rules, by way of the grading system, and pure unadulterated creativity do not coincide.." p.124
Aren't those quotes/statements powerful ? I have a tendency to always think they are because they become part of my deschooling process as I dive deeper into this lifestyle and what exactly does it mean for my children as they are getting older and beginning to be conscious of the decisions we have made with them.
If find these quotes powerful, then here are a few questions that can unravel some hidden memories and knowledge that supports your journey whether you are Unschooling or not.
Reflection Questions on the First Quote (p. 34)
- Fitting the System vs. Being Yourself: Have you (or your child) ever felt like you were labeled “difficult,” “lazy,” or “not smart enough” because you didn’t thrive in traditional school? What did that experience teach you about the system’s flaws?
- Discovering Strengths Early: Jackie advised Nova to “find something she was good at early, then build on it.” What natural strengths, interests, or passions did you notice in yourself or your children outside of school? How did pursuing them change your path?
- Parental Role in Unschooling: As a parent or mentor, how can we help children recognize their unique abilities instead of trying to fit them into a one-size-fits-all mold? Share a moment when you stepped back and let your child’s interests lead.
- The Cost of Being “Different”: What happens when kids who aren’t “better suited for school” are disregarded? How has unschooling helped you or your family avoid those unfair labels and judgments?
Reflection Questions on the Second Quote (p. 124)
- Creativity vs. Conformity: The quote argues that schools eradicate individuality and creativity through standardization. In what ways did traditional education (your own or your child’s) suppress creative expression or unique thinking?
- Grading Creativity: “How can you say, go forth! Be creative… but make sure you achieve X, Y, and Z”? Reflect on a time when rules, grades, or “correct” ways of doing art, music, writing, or play stifled real creativity for you or your child. What changed when those constraints were removed?
- True Self Through Creativity: What makes people discover their “truest selves,” according to your experience? How has giving space for unstructured creativity and individuality in your unschooling lifestyle revealed new sides of your children (or yourself)?
- The Oxymoron of Graded Art: Do you agree that grading art or music is inherently contradictory to creativity? Share examples from your family’s unschooling journey where free creation (without judgment or rubrics) led to surprising growth or joy.
Integrative Reflection Questions
- Unschooling as the Antidote: How does unschooling address both issues raised in the quotes—being unfairly labeled by the system and having creativity crushed by standardization? What practical shifts in daily life have made the biggest difference for your family?
- Building a Different Future: If we want children to build on what they’re truly good at and explore creativity without rules or grades, what advice would you give to parents just starting their unschooling journey? What small (or big) changes can they make this week?
I will answer some of these via a podcast and I will add it here but for now I hope they support you in whatever way is needed.
If you started your Unschooling journey and would like personalized support then take a look at my Full Circle Coaching and let's connect.
