Abortion

KLIATT

This series is a somewhat simplified version of Greenhaven's Opposing Viewpoints series, presenting contrasting arguments on contemporary issues. However, rather than an anthology of articles, all the content is written by one person, drawing on both primary and secondary sources to present various opinions. For example, in Gun Control, following an introduction on the history of the issue, there are four chapters on various aspects: How Does Gun Availability Affect Society? Is Gun Control Constitutional? What Measures Would Be Effective in Reducing Gun Violence? How Would a Gun Ban Affect Society? Within each of the chapters there are two to four sections offering different points of views; for example, for the last chapter on banning guns, there are sections of several pages each on "Banning Guns Would Harm Society," "Banning Guns Would Not Solve America's Problem With Violence," and "Banning Guns Would Help Reduce the Level of Violence in Society." The format is not quite as effective as articles by different people, somehow, but easier to manage for younger or less advanced students, and the bigger typeface and briefer articles are also an aid here. B/w photos and cartoons break up the text, and each volume offers study questions and helpful appendices of documented facts, excerpts from related documents, and annotated lists of organizations. Note: This review was written to address multiple titles—Abortion, Child Abuse, The Environment, Gun Control, and The 1960s. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2000, Greenhaven Press, 128p, 23cm, illus, bibliog, index, $11.96. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; May 2000 (Vol.34 No. 3)

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-This accessible title is somewhat different from the publisher's popular and well-written "Opposing Viewpoints" series. Unlike those books, this "digest" is written by a single author who presents all sides of each argument based on primary-source material. After a concise introduction to the emotionally charged topic, Currie discusses the morality and legality of abortion, partial-birth abortion, parental consent laws, and the ethics of fetal-tissue research. These and other topics provide readers with ample material for research and thought-provoking perspectives. Study questions, fast facts, excerpts from related documents, a directory of national organizations, and a further reading list are appended. The large typeface and short length make this a research tool within reach of reluctant readers.-Katie O'Dell, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|