--Shows pre-service and in-service middle and high school teachers how to integrate an understanding of adolescent development with strong pedagogical applications for their students, in a concise and accessible format.

--Blends contemporary research on adolescent development with authentic teachers' voices, showing ways of successfully observing, understanding, engaging, and teaching adolescent students, particularly around the developmental changes that occur from ages 10 to 15 (grades 5 to 10).

--The book features real-world classroom narratives that illustrate the successes-and struggles-of everyday teachers, and details specific teaching practices, classroom activities, and lesson ideas that help teachers tap the energy and talents bring to the classroom, all contributed by practicing teachers.