Terrorism

Children's Literature

This book is one in a series of four volumes that "bring together the facts behind the headlines of today" and seek to inform readers about the "latest issues, the background and historical details, up-to-date facts and figures and current opinions" on topics in the news. This book's topic, terrorism, is at the forefront of current issues. The author defines terrorism and discusses the reasons behind terrorist activities. He briefly considers the aims and tactics used by groups such as anti-abortionists, Islamic extremists, militia groups and environmental organizations such as the Earth Liberation Front (responsible most recently for the destruction of SUVs at a California car dealership). Oddly, the author includes the French Resistance movement as an example of an organized terrorist group. Such a resistance group fighting against an occupying enemy force in a time of war cannot be defined as a terrorist group. The book is illustrated with photographs on every page. At the end of the book is a glossary and a list of Web sites that provide further information. Part of the "In the News" series. 2003, Smart Apple Media, Ages 11 up.
— Anita Barnes Lowen

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-Neither of these dated titles contains enough information to make them useful, and their format and design are somewhat unnerving. The cover photo and highlighted parts of the texts are superimposed over monochromatic bull's-eye targets. Terrorism is done in red, and Immigration in blue. Both texts are arranged in two-page topical treatments. Each one has a black strip across the tops of the pages, giving the impression of torn paper. The chapters consist of a three- to four-sentence introduction printed in bold type and followed by three or four paragraphs of text. Captioned, full-color photos appear on every spread. Most chapters contain "Get the Facts Straight" or "What Do You Think?" boxes. Terrorism states that Atlanta-bomber Eric Rudolph has not been captured, while Immigration says that Saddam Hussein is the ruler of Iraq. Terrorism mentions twice that bomb-making information can be found on the Internet, and that someone had made a bomb after reading a certain children's book. Wait for something better on these topics.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.