This accessible, chronologically organized text introduces the major topics, issues, terminology, and theories in child and adolescent development. Lefrancois is known for his friendly, student-oriented writing, which includes personal anecdotes that bring the material to life in a unique and involving way. The author stresses the application of the concepts of developmental psychology to students' career and educational goals. A major emphasis in the new edition is the importance of the contexts (relationship) within which children develop, with special attention to cross-cultural and multicultural issues. The new edition represents a major rethinking of the text with five new emphases, as well as a thorough updating throughout the text.