Death and Dying: Opposing Viewpoints

School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up A collection of short articles dealing with the many controversies surrounding a delicate subject. Drawn from a wide variety of sources and representing a diverse group of authorities, the book will be invaluable to any teacher or student seeking a balanced presentation of contemporary issues relating to death. Five chapters cover the prevention of suicide, grieving, euthanasia and terminal care. Infant euthanasia is given a particularly thorough treatment which offers details and commentary on the case of Baby Doe and others that have attracted national attention. Following each chapter of five to seven articles, there is a periodical bibliography and a critical thinking activity for individual or classroom use. Although the editors do not duck the affective issues surrounding death, the articles selected are mostly written in an unemotional tone. A compact but rich source of carefully-chosen and well-researched material. Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior High School, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.