Now in paperback!

"Garbarino makes us believe that we can have control over ourenvironments and the kind of society we want for our children. . .. He gives all of us valuable tools for helping kids negotiatethrough an increasingly complex, high-risk world."

--Paul Simon, former U.S. Senator, Illinois

"I am struck by how readily we ignore the very real toxicity of ourchildren's social environment. I am grateful to Jim Garbarino forthis A to Z list of ways we can respond more positively."

--Anne Cohn Donnelly, executive director, National Committee toPrevent Child Abuse

"Garbarino is one of our nation's major social critics. Thisinsightful analysis is a must-read for parents, early childhoodadvocates, and policy makers."

--Edward Zigler, Sterling Professor of Psychology, YaleUniversity

Childhood has become a minefield of risks--dangerous to the healthand well being of children and adolescents. School violence, drugs, AIDS, poverty, uncaring communities, abusive families, and custodybattles are just some of the dangers that children face daily. Inthis timely book, renowned child development expert James Garbarinoexplains how we can make choices and decisions that strengthenchildren and strike a blow against the social toxicity thatsurrounds us.