REC: Books about Child Development for College Class

[eas11]

My sister is teaching a college level course (for the 1st time) in Child Development. The course is in the Education Dept and the students are sophmores.
The text is all set, however, she asked me for suggestions for a novel that has a focus on child development, family matters, etc. The recommendation in the syllabus is About A Boy, focusing on the main character for purposes of class discussion.
Although not novels, I suggested either The Glass Castle or Running With Sissors as books rich with these issues. She's not opposed to non-fiction, but wants an interesting (of course!) read. Could be classic or contempory.
Since she has not read any of the 3 above mentioned books, she is wide open to any suggestions for highly recommended books.
Any thoughts?
TIA, CLBB readers :D

[eas11]

What??
No suggestions from the readers here? I thought everyone was too busy yesterday with the Awesome God!!!! thread but it looks like that's slowed down, so, Think Books :D

Meanwhile, Sue and I went to Borders last night and she is reading The Glass Castle. She may end up using that if nothing else is highly recommended. She needs to preview her books by 9/8.

[MKSquared]

LOL -- "Think books."

I wish I could say I was totally no help, but I have taken Child Development and Adolescent Psych and Development ... but truth be told, the child development one was an online course! We were graded on our participation on a bulletin board. (I got an A. ;))

There are so many "coming of age" books out there. Is there a certain demographic or certain philosophy that would help us narrow down choices?

[eas11]

LOL -- "Think books."

.......... Is there a certain demographic or certain philosophy that would help us narrow down choices?

Not really, although the college is a CUNY (city university of new york) campus and student body reflects the general muti-cultural ny demographics, she is not opposed to any setting or culture, etc. Just a good representation of human development, specifically involving children.

BTW, I took one online graduate course through UMASS and I think it was my most challanging! (I got an A, too :D )