This is an excellent introductory text for practitioners and students who wish to gain an overview of the subject. The book has 13 well organized chapters that range from definition of a delinquent to research in delinquency prevention and treatment. Each chapter provides well chosen recent references that enable the interested reader to pursue areas of special interest. In addition to scholarly sources the authors provide appropriate quotes from such publications as the Washington Post, The New York Times, and Parade Magazine. The authors are aware of the need to keep the reader interested and make the materials relevant to general concerns. At the same time they do conclude.