"A fascinating account of how the lives and dreams of American teenagers have changed in the past 50 years" (Mihaly Csikszentmihali), this landmark study offers practical, specific advice about how parents and teachers can better direct and support adolescents.

Barbara Schneider is professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and senior social scientist at the National Opinion Research Center. David Stevenson is a senior advisor to the deputy secretary of education. In his former role as deputy executive director of the National Council on Education Standards and Testing, he was responsible for the report Raising Standards for American Education.