Responsibility

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up --Aimed at the high-interest/low vocabulary audience, but with content that is applicable to a much broader clientele, these books offer clear, well-spaced texts and both black-and-white and color photographs. The effect is one that attracts rather than intimidates; upbeat photograph covers will encourage reluctant readers. The subject matter in each is approached in a manner that is both forthright and interesting, and fictionalized situations encourage reader evaluation, decision-making, and critical thought. Responsibility explores nuances of the definition, historical perspectives, issues of personal and familial responsibility, the work ethic, citizenship, and how responsibility relates to issues of freedom and the Golden Rule. Compassion discusses the media reporting of personal tragedy on a worldwide scale, and attempts to relate the individual's relationship to the ``family of man'' despite society's tendency toward indifference. These are gentle and convincing nudges toward socially acceptable behavior, done in a manner that leaves the decision-making powers with readers, although not without clarifying the consequences. Useful as discussion starters in health and social science classrooms or in youth groups, whether of a social or religious orientation, the books will be welcome in most YA collections. --Celia A. Huffman, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland