By the same author as the classic best-selling guide, Child Development from Birth to Eight, Growing Up describes the main changes for children and young people as they grow from middle childhood to the brink of adulthood. A full description of development is placed in the context of their daily lives and those of their families.

The book explores the meaning of independence for a generation that is growing up in a world that is different from that of their parents' childhood. Yet many of the concerns of today's children and young people are scarcely different from those of previous generations: the experience of school, making friends, and dealing with the pressures and risks of growing up. The book includes the views of children and young people themselves, as well as those of adults reflecting on their own youth.

Growing Up offers practical suggestions to adults who are concerned with older children and young people. Parents will find it useful for understanding their own sons and daughters. It will be equally valuable to teachers, youth workers, play workers , professionals within the police or the probation services, social workers, nurses in adolescent units and workers in residential homes.