A Right to Die?

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8Three books that offer many viewpoints on controversial issues. Quotes from numerous sources are sprinkled throughout the well-researched and well-written texts. Each two-page spread focuses on an aspect of the topic and includes well-chosen, full-color photographs and reproductions. Each book ends with a list of useful addresses and some "Facts to think about." Smoke looks at who smokes, the physical dangers, why people start smoking, second-hand and neonatal effects, the tobacco-industry giants, taxes, advertising, and current programs to discourage the habit. Animals opens with a discussion of man as the "King of the Beasts" and continues with pieces on animals as natural resources, farming practices that support the meat demands of today's population, cosmetic and pharmaceutical testing, pets, sports such as polo and bull fights, hunting, endangered animals, zoos, and protesters. Die discusses traditional views of death, the effects of modern medicine and our longer life spans, religious beliefs about the sacredness of life, suicide, euthanasia, life-support systems, doctors' duties and responsibilities in terminal situations, hospice programs, living wills, and funeral choices. While both sides of this issue are presented, thoughtful readers will glean from the author's tone that he believes in the right to die. All three books will lead youngsters to come up with their own conclusions without being overwhelmed by the authors' opinions.Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston