China

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up This collection of essays is a useful compilation of information on the issues of modernization, economic reform, human rights, role as world power, and U.S. policy regarding modern China. As usual in this series, the overall organization of pro and con is balanced, the writing approachable, and the content helpful in provoking thought and discussion on these issues. For this publication to be most useful, readers must have some knowledge of Chinese history in order to recognize the prejudices and historical perspective of the authors, as well as the meaning of such terms as socialism, capitalism, communism, hegemony, suzerainty, etc. Treatment of each of the five subjects consists of four to six articles, prefaced by a summary of the question posed. A brief background of the author introduces the article, with almost half of the authors being Chinese, ranging from 19th-Century scholars up through Deng Xiaoping. Useful especially to high-school researchers, this collection would also be of value to general readers with an interest in controversial issues in modern China. Rosie Peasley, Sylvan Union School District, Modesto, Calif.