How is the nature of childhood changing? What challenges do children face as they grow up? This book enriches our understanding of what it means to be a child today. It examines: the impact of new technologies, policy, and early education; poverty, changing family circumstances and living in care; and case studies of childhood in certain African countries, the UK, the US, Australia, Western and Eastern Europe.The contributors come from across the globe and each reflects on the nature of childhood from their personal perspective and what they see happening around them. They are Jennifer M. Bowes, Eileen Carmichael, Philomena Donnelly, Eve Gregory, Mary James, Foster Kholowa, Siân Wyn Siencyn, Allison Tatton, Glenda Walsh, Lynne Williamson and Fatuma Ahmed.