Book excerpt: The focus of this book is to provide a nephrology reference manual for the developing pediatrician and pediatric nephrologist. Its objective is not only to inform but also to teach -- one that inspires thinking in the reader. The contents and level of teaching in the manual are intended for trainees at four different levels: medical student, intern, resident and fellow. This handbook provides what other nephrology textbooks cannot -- a useful and practical guidebook that is written to teach at a level that is appropriate for various stages of learning. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic, followed by several patient cases, and with an answer and discussion of each case.