Conflict Resolution: The Win-Win Situation

Children's Literature

Conflicts happen all the time, and at every age. That is why this well-written presentation of the topic is a book with wide usefulness. Conflict can be a pair of siblings fighting over icebox access at home, or a divorcing pair quarreling over household belongings in a lawyer's office! Let us assume that in the first example, a parent or other caregiver is there to mediate the conflict. In the second, we can hope that the lawyer makes at least some effort at mediation before getting to the cold print of divorce. Mediation, mediator, combatant and "rules of the road"—Casey's book presents these ingredients for dramas of conflict clearly and succinctly enough for translation to wider audience than her chosen one of teens. To quote from the book's blurb, "This educational look at conflict resolution discusses ways to find a middle ground between fighting and giving in or giving up." There is an appendix, further reading, and a list of Internet sites." 2001, Enslow Publishers, $17.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Carolyn DCL Michaels

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-While acknowledging the legitimacy of angry feelings, this book offers readers strategies for dealing nonviolently with peers, parents, teachers, and others. There is a general discussion of the kinds of conflict young people often confront, anecdotes that provide examples of conflict situations, and suggestions for resolving them. The volume includes a discussion of peer mediation. Black-and-white photographs enhance the text. The books and pamphlets in "Further Reading" are geared mainly to adults, thus emphasizing the paucity of material for teens. Yet, despite the respectful, neutral tone and the admirable and teen-friendly content, the main challenge here will be in getting the intended audience to read this book, for it is visually unappealing and unlikely to be selected voluntarily. Nevertheless, it should be available as a resource. In fact, teachers and parents might do well to read it, too.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.