Book excerpt: The transition from school to work is a major developmental stage for young people. Yet in recent years this rite of passage has been hindered by the lack of jobs for school leavers. Growing Up with Unemployment describes a major long-term study of the psychological impact of unemployment. It broadly surveys the theories and methods of studying the problem and will have key implications for policy. Importantly, the authors show how leaving school, rather than getting a job, is the more significant event for young people. Growing Up with Unemployment will be of interest to students of psychology and social policy, as well as all those who deal with young people.