Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up
Chapters are set up with mixed points of view in specific areas of each topic, and each one is prefaced by three questions for readers to consider. Due to the fact that these are compendiums of articles originally published elsewhere, the quality of the writing varies from article to article (and some have grammatical mistakes). In Childbirth , many of the selections feature birthing practices in countries in Europe where the sociocultural perspective of childbirth may not be the same as in the United States (especially where issues of socialized medicine come into play). This may be confusing for readers who are unaware of the difference. Further, articles with specifically chosen opposing viewpoints may each quote the same study, while filtering results through the authors' opinions without giving actual results. The bibliography ranges from a picture book to university publications. Birth Control includes a periodical bibliography at the end of each chapter, with Web sites, and the material will be easier for students to locate. It is well suited for debate research.-Joanie Terrizzi, New York City Public Schools