"For anyone interested in understanding the soul of a Maya town, Barbara Rogoff's new book Developing Destinies: A Mayan Midwife and Town (Oxford University Press, 2011) will give you a good idea. Barbara Rogoff breaks new ground in the way she thinks about change in a traditional society." -- Arte Maya Tzutuhil Newsletter "The beautifully written narrative is highly accessible, even gripping. It is enriched by photos that span decades. The account is personal and moving, weaving in stories of the author's own evolution as a participant-observer and ethnographer. At the same time, it has very broad reach, illuminating some of the most profound themes of human development. The book truly is a must read for all with interests in development or culture." -- Susan A.

Gelman, Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, PsycCRITIQUES "The Pauls' numerous previously unpublished photos combine with Rogoff's to provide a rare glimpse into the changes in people's lives and environment over the course of seven decades. The dozens of images, together with their informative captions, are superbly integrated into the text.Recommended" -- A. H. Koblitz, Arizona State University, CHOICE Developing Destinies was a finalist for the Jackie Kirk Outstanding Book Award: "Rogoff's Developing Destinies is a lovely and fascinating anthropological look at culture and the impact of one woman, and her community role as a midwife, on her community. Rogoff addresses gender, child development, religion/spirituality, and informal community-based learning processes.

Of the books nominated for the award, Rogoff's book has the strongest focus in terms of women's work, and reflects the most participatory approach to research. Her book is innovative, and includes a very interesting use of the visual, both photos and drawings. The way in which Rogoff addresses issues of gender and generations is edgy, and it is sure to be a welcome addition to many fields, in education and beyond." "Rogoff shows how the certainty of destiny moves through exigencies of profession, identity, and time. Fitting for the topic of midwifery and birth, Developing Destinies is her most personal work to date. Rogoff and the book's main subject, Chona, a Maya midwife from the Tzu'utijil Maya town of San Pedro, have been in relationship across five decades (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s). This book is a must-read for those interested in culture, child development, globalization, and birth. birth.

" -- Ashley E. Maynard, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i.