The information in the book is VERY essential when working with children and youth. The professor who wrote the book teaches at my school, the University of Michigan School of Social Work. The only problem I've ever had with the book is that when I ordered it and it came the cover was one way and the whole text was another. So when I opened it up from the front cover, I had the last page of the text AND it was upsidedown. Amazon should really fix that!!

Douglas Davies's text is lively, intelligent, and somehow manages to be grounded in developmental/attachment theory AND the narrative, real-life details of case studies. His case studies bring the factual elements to life and make this a memorable read. In all honesty, I probably know 100 people who all agree that Davies's text was the finest textbook we have ever read. Highly recommended!

As a developmental psychologist and professor in a Clinical PsyD program I thoroughly endorse this book. This is a graduate level text and I can say with certainty that professors that utilize this book will produce students grounded in the topic. I have used this text in four consecutive semesters and my students really love this book. It is easy to read, but sophisticated. Each chapter on a developmental stage is followed by case examples whereby developmental concepts are applied. Your students will have a thorough grounding in latest findings in child development and be able to translate this into their clinical work. I cannot say enough about the superiority of this text.
Kim Vander Dussen, Psy. D., RPT-S
Licensed Psychologist
Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor
Assistant Professor, Argosy University, Orange County

As a school psychologist (ages 4 - 13), I have been looking for a book like this for years! It's much more elaborate than the standard books on child development and it's based on the latest research rather than on theories. It provides me with a rich fund of information that I use when assessing a child, especially younger children with social or emotional issues.
One thing that appeals to me in this book, is the emphasis on psychological processes. Diagnoses like ADHD are briefly discussed but Davies explains also how for example an environmentally based language delay can lead to problems with impulsivity.
Highly recommended!

There are far too many books out there on development that drown readers with boring facts and research statistics. This is the first book I have read in 10 years that is interesting, clinically sounds, easy to read, and very informative. Douglas Davies writes a book that is a must for any practitioner/therapist interested in working with kids on developmental issues. His book gives a comprehensive view of the various stages kids go through and the clinical issues that arise. It is excellent! You can easily relate to what is written and actually apply it to work with kids! Stop reading and buy this book!