After the book was published some of the leading philanthropic funders of public schools wanted to talk about how they could help improve civic education. Here’s an idea for them: Raise Texas’ bet by promoting an equally rich reading list suitable for students in blue states. Show the world that academic rigor is not just for conservatives.

 

The Most Radical Thing About Texas’ Book List Isn’t the Bible

By James Traub

Mr. Traub is a journalist and the author of “The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy.”