The development and work of BB/BS are presented under six period: beginnings (1902-17); between the wars (1918-44); the first federation (1917-37); the new federation (1945-57); a federal charter and rapid growth (1958-1970); and a Big Sister Federation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America (1971-84). The second section of the book focuses on modern leaders of the national movement (1945-84), today's agencies, selected cases of one-to-one friendships, and the current characteristics of BB/BS. The book notes that the BB/BS grew into a popular movement because of its simple yet effective approach in fostering positive youth development through a friendship with an adult carefully selected for characteristics as a role model and capacity for friendship. The author advises that BB/BS has never sought to duplicate nor usurp the role and work of trained social workers and counselors; volunteers apply the therapy of friendship, under the supervision of a trained social worker or caseworker. A historical chronology, a subject index, and appended lists of agencies in 1925, 1940, and 1984