This text effectively balances the life cycle (micro) and community (macro) perspectives on development, and can be used in either a life cycle or community-oriented course. The text covers CSWE-mandated topics, and these topics are arranged and presented in a logical and easy-to-teach fashion. Students will find a multitude of interesting examples in the text, including a “Case Study” at the beginning of every chapter. “Case Study Review Questions,” found at the end of every chapter, help students to begin to analyze individual cases, and relate to the kinds of problems they will encounter in practice. In addition, “Exploring the Issues” boxes in every chapter examine a particular topic in more depth, such as “Male and Female Circumcision: Two Different Stories” in Chapter 2, Pregnancy and Early Childhood. End-of-chapter glossaries help students learn new vocabulary; extensive references can be used for additional study. An Instructor's Manual/Test Bank by the author, and a Computerized Test Bank, are also available.