Ellen Key's - The Century of the Child

Ellen Key's The Century of the Child is critical historical piece to read for anyone interested in youthwork. This highlights the utopian vision of youthwork that was evident at the beginning of the 20th century - a typical attribute of the modernity of that age. However, this optimism was quickly crushed by problem-centric, anti-social policies and practices that perceived of youth as a danger to society.

Key takes a very antagonistic posture toward Christianity in this book. It's rather ironic that most approaches to positive youth development these days recognize the role of faith as critical to increasing possibility and fostering resiliency.

Either way, she is a pioneer in youthwork - and for that, I tip my hat.