In preparation for Write of Passage Summer Camp (which I'm building for kids aged 10-12 years old), I've been studying the sociology of childhood. In particular, I recommend two books: The Disappearance of Childhood by Neil Postman and Deschooling Society by Ivan Illich. Both of them wrote in the 70s, and offer perspectives that you won't find in today's mainstream commentary. Even if you aren't interested in childhood, I recommend both authors' backlog of books about the social effects of technology and industrialization.