Nuclear Proliferation : The Problems and Possibilities

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpA balanced view of the problems and possibilities of nuclear power. Cheney includes worst-case scenarios, the history of nuclear use, threats due to the breakup of the Soviet Union, treaties, and access to the technology by rogue regimes and terrorists. His plea is for cooperation among the nations to control the use of nuclear power. The writing is clear and straightforward. Captioned black-and-white photos appear throughout but the ragged-edge design element detracts from their clarity. Karin L. Swishers Nuclear Proliferation (Greenhaven, 1992) is written on a higher reading level with more varied opinions. The Harvard Nuclear Study Groups Living with Nuclear Weapons (Harvard Univ., 1990) provides more depth. Ellen Thros Taking a Stand against Nuclear War (Watts, 1990; o.p.) covers some of the same topics but includes advocates, diagrams that show the dangers of nuclear use, peace organizations, as well as young people who have taken a stand. Cheneys overview is suitable for general audiences, and will be especially useful for debaters and speech or report writers.Sandra L. Doggett, Urbana High School, Ijamsville, MD Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.