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Amanda Ripley's book, The Smartest Kids in the World—and How They Got That Way, explores the educational systems of high-achieving countries like Finland and South Korea by following the experiences of three American exchange students. Through their eyes, the author contrasts the approaches to learning, teaching, and parenting in these nations with those in the United States. The book highlights key differences, such as a stronger emphasis on rigor and higher expectations in the featured countries, and examines the role of factors like teacher quality, curriculum, and parental involvement in shaping educational outcomes. Ripley also analyzes the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) and its significance in evaluating global educational performance. Ultimately, the book seeks to understand why some countries excel academically and what the United States might learn from their successes and failures.