Suicide

School Library Journal

Gr 8 UpThis series entry benefits from the consistent format of prior titles. The major sections deal with individual rights in regard to suicide, including the influence that Christianity has had on such thinking and actions, the causes of teen suicide, the issue of assisted suicide, and the means by which such drastic action can be averted. The book concludes with an interesting section that examines whether suicide prevention is, in fact, always appropriate. The value of this format lies in its ability to allow readers to pick and choose among current material in their research investigation. The juxtaposition of popular and unpopular opinions is particularly helpful for students preparing to debate. A strength of the series is that it allows YAs to develop a more global perspective on critical social issues. The book is completed by a section that poses questions for further discussion and organizations to contact.Sylvia V. Meisner, Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC