Employing a child-centered approach to the growth and development of children from birth to age 16, this book describes in detail the personal, social, and intellectual development of children as they progress from infancy through adolescence. It contains anecdotes and examples that capture the unique qualities of each age and stage of child development. The book notes that as a result of changes in the family and in society, growing up today is much different than in the past, and places the constants of development within the context of this changing social envelope. The first section of the book, "The Infant and the Young Child," contains five chapters on the personal and social development of the infant, mental development in the infant, personal and social development in the young child, mental development in the young child, and age profiles. The second section, "The Child," contains three chapters on personal and social development, mental development, and age profiles. The third section, "The Adolescent," also contains three chapters on personal and social development, mental development, and age profiles. All of the chapters except age profiles include lists of selected readings. (TJQ)