Early adolescence, a critically important developmental phase in the lives of young people, has been neglected in terms of its potential to prevent educational and health problems.Preparing Adolescents for the Twenty-First Century: Challenges Facing Europe and the United States attempts to address this neglect by focusing on cross-national perspectives and linking fundamental research on adolescent development to the challenges of preparing young people for adult life. It describes the theory, design, and implementation of innovative comprehensive education and health approaches. Serious examination is given to increasing the positive influence of education in promoting literacy for a high-technology economy, healthy lifestyles, and responsible citizenship.