"Written by experts from a variety of disciplines, the book takes an extended look at the children's lives and development as they begin formal statutory education, as well as service planning in early years, health and social services... Throughout, the book acknowledges that many initiatives designed to support children and families are, at best, in their own infancies; it is still too early to gauge their impact on the millennium children." Children & Young People Now "This is a 'must read' book for those interested in the MCS, child well-being, ethnic diversity and modern family life." Christine Skinner in Journal of Social Policy "By following the development of a cohort of 5-year olds, this book offers new insights into social, economic and family life in Britain; it is a 'must read' for everyone who wants to understand the processes shaping childhood today." Angela Dale, Manchester University "This book brings together analyses of the UK's most recent birth cohort by leading experts. The result is a unique and multidisciplinary portrait of how young children are faring at the start of 21st century." Jane Waldfogel, Professor of Social Work & Public Affairs, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York "If you want to know how young children in the 21st Century are faring in the U.K., the book by Hansen, Joshi, and Dex is a must-read!" Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Child Development, Columbia University