Richard Farson investigates the core question of whether the traditional legal and social status of children in American society is fundamentally discriminatory and in need of radical restructuring. Farson, a psychologist and educator, utilizes his professional background to challenge the prevailing paternalistic framework of child-rearing. He argues that children should be granted the same civil rights as adults, including the right to vote, work, and choose their own guardians, as a means to foster genuine autonomy and personal development.

Critics and readers often note that the text serves as a provocative, radical contribution to the discourse on children's rights. Experts frequently highlight the book as a foundational, albeit controversial, document for those interested in the history of educational reform and social liberation movements.