The text emphasizes that early adolescents require a variety of types and levels of activities to meet their seven crucial developmental needs: (1) positive social interaction with adults and peers;, (2) structure and clear limits; (3) physical activity; (4) creative expression; (5) competence and achievement; (6) meaningful participation in families, schools, and communities; and (7) opportunities for self-definition. Data regarding demographics, health status, social health, family change, education, and other factors indicate both distressing and hopeful trends. Therefore, actions are needed to reduce poverty, make supports available to families with young adolescents, improve schooling in the middle grades, increase the promotion of physical and mental health, and increase opportunities for young adolescents to become close to others and to have an impact on their communities. Figures, tables, and chapter reference lists