This KIDS COUNT data book examines national and statewide trends in the well being of the nations children. Statistical portraits are based on 10 indicators of well being: (1) percent of low birth weight babies; (2) infant mortality rate; (3) child death rate; (4) rate of teen deaths by accident, homicide, and suicide; (5) teen birth rate; (6) percent of teens who are high school dropouts; (7) percent of teens not attending school and not working; (8) percent of children living in families where no parent has full-time, year-round employment; (9) percent of children living in poverty; and (10) percent of families with children headed by a single parent. Among the findings, the data book shows that between 1990 and 1999, all but one state saw an increase in the percent of low birth weight babies, and all but four states had an increased percent of families with children headed by a single parent. The percent of teens who are high school dropouts was unchanged in the nation as a whole and decreased in 24 states. The remaining seven indicators showed improvement. The bulk of the data book is comprised of national and state profiles. These profiles include information on demographics, education, economics, child health, children in low-income working families, trend data, and national rankings for each indicator. Three appendices provide standard scores and national rankings, multi-year trend data for KIDS COUNT indicators, and multi-year national composite ranks. Definitions, data sources, criteria for selecting KIDS COUNT indicators, and contacts for specific state projects conclude the data book. (KK)