ISBN0534554199

The content of this book is unsurpassed. The research and breadth of topics covered is phenomenal. The writing is layman and very easy to read.

That being said, the book as a textbook stinks. There are too many pictures, sidebars, subheaders, etc... It's hard to read about a topic when there are interruptions on every page that are interesting but not entirely needed. Each section lasts for about a page, so assigning reading is difficult.

DO NOT BUY!

I use this text for my undergrad and grad classes. The information is complete and has great breadth. My undergraduates have found this to be a great resource for information on classes of disorders and on specific disorders. It is easy to read, without being simplistic. The pedagogical features (e.g., sidebars, pictures, etc.) are a matter for personal choice. I personally feel they are distracting, but my undergraduate students like them and say that they are helpful.

For years, I have included it as a supplement in my graduate class on child behavior disorders. The primary text was 'Mash and Barkely's Child Psychopathology'. M&B is very dense, but very complete. I recently made this text (M&W,the one being reviewed) the primary and M&B the supplemental. I can supply enough primary source articles to cover the technicalities, but like the way this (M&W) covers the basics.

In summary: This text is a near perfect tool for undergrads and can be used for graduates, if accompanied by good primary source articles.

This book may contatin alot of useful information. I am a second year student in the Child And Youth Worker program, and it cost me about $140, for about $50 of use... alot of the information in this book was new to me, and I did learn alot, but having said that, the only reason I bought it was because it was mandatory. This book is the most boring piece of crap I have had to read thus far in my program. Facts left and right, but little connection in the actual paragraphs. All connections made are in blurbs about other people's storys. And even those a weak at best. I recomend NOT buying this book. Waste of money and time. If you in college and you need to buy it, show your prof. these two reviews, then refuse to buy it yourself :)

The book was delivered timely and in very good condition. Most Chapters had information highlights which was an advantage for me.

This is an undergraduate text -- extremely basic -- on Abnormal Child Psychology, but it does not provide much in terms of helpful information beyond explaining the basics of some childhood disorders. It may be a fine introduction for those beginning to learn about abnormal psych (although even then, I'd recommend something a bit more advanced, if the population is above Freshman level in College), but it certainly is not written for those studying childhood disorders at a clinical level. There are no "norm-references" or "developmental milestones" charts/tables/etc. There is very little substantial information beyond what one might get in a basic abnormal psychology text or a general psych text.

The upshot: if using for undergrads, use caution. If using for graduate-level courses, DON'T.