Together with the companion volume, Youth Crime and Justice: Critical Issues, also edited by Muncie (criminology, Open U., UK) and Goldson (sociology, U. of Liverpool, UK), this volume is intended to serve as a critical introduction to the field of youth crime and justice. In contrast to its companion, which focused on particular issues, largely within the British context, this volume outlines broad international trends through the presentation of national case studies of juvenile justice systems and practices. The countries discussed are the United States, Canada, England and Wales, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Scotland, Japan, Italy, and Finland. Also included is a final chapter summing up international trends of convergence and diversity in youth justice. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)