Ruth Dumke summarizes the results of current social science research on fundamental questions regarding stepfamilies in her study. Against this backdrop, she compares the challenges and opportunities of stepfamilies from the individual perspectives of authors in children's and youth literature. The fifty-seven texts examined present a diverse spectrum of life situations in stepfamilies, ranging from predominantly difficult successes to failures and violent conflicts. In line with the research, the texts provide insightful exemplary case studies that convey important family educational insights and guidance.