This is the first of the Young Lives profile books - telling the stories of 20 of the study children as they grow up. The stories tell a fascinating tale of how they children see their lives as they grow up, go to school, drop out of school, start work, cope with failed harvests and births or deaths within their families.

One of the strong themes running throughout the stories is how parents, even those with little education, are supportive of their children and hopeful about their future. The children themselves are frank about their hopes and fears. Above all, they show remarkable resilience in helping their families cope with the difficulties that come their way. As 12-year-old Hadush from Ethiopia, who does not go to shcool but who is proud of looking after cattle, said brightly in his interview: "Nothing is impossible for me".