'This volume offers important new insights by bringing an international perspective to the topic of adolescence. Indeed, it makes one question how we can meaningfully examine urban youth without such an internationally comparative framework. The book is unusual in that it adopts a positive orientation toward youth - focusing on their strengths, rather than their problems. Another critically important feature is that it bridges the divide between practice and research, which is essential when dealing with the topic of urban youth.' Lonnie R. Sherrod, Fordham University

• Part I. Setting the Context: 1. Comparative perspectives of urban youth; Part II. Youth as a Force for Social Change: 2. Steering by the stars; 3. Children show the way; 4. Adolescents as collaborators; Part III. Urban Youth Experiences in Cross-cultural Perspective: 5. Have cities ceased to function as integration machines?; 6. From street children to all children; 7. Youth crime, community development; 8. Youth violence prevention in America; 9. Social learning and community participation; Part IV. Work, Life Skills and Well-being: 10. Work by the young; 11. Program for life skills; 12. Youth in cities: signs of hope and stress.