Ross A. Thompson is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at University of California, Davis, USA. He is an internationally recognized authority on the psychological development of young children and the applications of developmental science to public policy. His work integrates understanding of the developing brain with early experiences in both typical and at-risk children, and he consults extensively to legislative committees, public agencies, and private foundations.

'If you've ever experienced awe at a picture of a brain lit up, or felt wonder at the smile on a baby's face, you will benefit from reading this book. Ross Thompson provides the first authoritative story of the science, people, and events of the recent brain development revolution. Thompson gives us novel perspectives on the power of developmental neuroscience. He opens new vistas on the opportunities of parents, teachers, citizens, and scientists for helping every child flourish. This is a marvellous book.' Andrew N. Meltzoff, Co-Director, Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, USA, and co-author, The Scientist in the Crib: Minds, Brains, and How Children Learn

• 1. Science does not speak for itself; 2. The Supreme Court considers adolescence; 3. Dispatches from the laboratory; 4. I am your child; 5. 'Follow the science'; 6. Framing developmental science; 7. Who speaks for developmental science?

Ross A. Thompson is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at University of California, Davis, USA. He is an internationally recognized authority on the psychological development of young children and the applications of developmental science to public policy. His work integrates understanding of the developing brain with early experiences in both typical and at-risk children, and he consults extensively to legislative committees, public agencies, and private foundations.

'If you've ever experienced awe at a picture of a brain lit up, or felt wonder at the smile on a baby's face, you will benefit from reading this book. Ross Thompson provides the first authoritative story of the science, people, and events of the recent brain development revolution. Thompson gives us novel perspectives on the power of developmental neuroscience. He opens new vistas on the opportunities of parents, teachers, citizens, and scientists for helping every child flourish. This is a marvellous book.' Andrew N. Meltzoff, Co-Director, Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, USA, and co-author, The Scientist in the Crib: Minds, Brains, and How Children Learn

• 1. Science does not speak for itself; 2. The Supreme Court considers adolescence; 3. Dispatches from the laboratory; 4. I am your child; 5. 'Follow the science'; 6. Framing developmental science; 7. Who speaks for developmental science?

Ross A. Thompson is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at University of California, Davis, USA. He is an internationally recognized authority on the psychological development of young children and the applications of developmental science to public policy. His work integrates understanding of the developing brain with early experiences in both typical and at-risk children, and he consults extensively to legislative committees, public agencies, and private foundations.

'If you've ever experienced awe at a picture of a brain lit up, or felt wonder at the smile on a baby's face, you will benefit from reading this book. Ross Thompson provides the first authoritative story of the science, people, and events of the recent brain development revolution. Thompson gives us novel perspectives on the power of developmental neuroscience. He opens new vistas on the opportunities of parents, teachers, citizens, and scientists for helping every child flourish. This is a marvellous book.' Andrew N. Meltzoff, Co-Director, Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, USA, and co-author, The Scientist in the Crib: Minds, Brains, and How Children Learn

• 1. Science does not speak for itself; 2. The Supreme Court considers adolescence; 3. Dispatches from the laboratory; 4. I am your child; 5. 'Follow the science'; 6. Framing developmental science; 7. Who speaks for developmental science?