Book excerpt: Addressing the critical age-span of 8-18, this book explores the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of children as they transition through middle childhood and adolescence. Examining the forces behind these developmental stages, each chapter reveals the role context plays in development (home, school, community) and the developmental theories and research findings that are driving current practice. Concrete suggestions and guideposts appear in each chapter and reveal strategies for working with school age children and adolescents. An integrated discussion of research and theories and an emphasis on diverse contexts makes this text an excellent resource for educators, parents, healthcare professionals and other practitioners.