Terrorism

School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—These brief books are a bit dated now as Osama Bin Laden is featured prominently in Fundamentalism and Terrorism. However, their emphasis on providing overviews, coupled with approachable texts, will make them useful to those who need a jump-start on the topics. Chapters are divided into the history, causes, impact, responses, media attention, and future of the featured subject. Every chapter offers a "Stop Press" page that features a "Case Study." For instance, in Terrorism, the chapter on the impact of terrorism has a spread on one of the survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Lengthy glossaries are helpful inclusions, but the indexes are paltry. Color photos abound and help to make these good browsing books. Information for research can be found, but will prove either initial or supplemental, depending upon how much is needed.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—These brief books are a bit dated now as Osama Bin Laden is featured prominently in Fundamentalism and Terrorism. However, their emphasis on providing overviews, coupled with approachable texts, will make them useful to those who need a jump-start on the topics. Chapters are divided into the history, causes, impact, responses, media attention, and future of the featured subject. Every chapter offers a "Stop Press" page that features a "Case Study." For instance, in Terrorism, the chapter on the impact of terrorism has a spread on one of the survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Lengthy glossaries are helpful inclusions, but the indexes are paltry. Color photos abound and help to make these good browsing books. Information for research can be found, but will prove either initial or supplemental, depending upon how much is needed.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-These timely titles are well organized and approachable. Drug Trade looks at global drug production and trafficking, types of illegal drugs, who uses them, and possible solutions. The book includes information about drug crops and the economic implications that make it difficult for governments around the world to control their sale and abuse. Religious Movements offers a worldwide look at splinter groups, nonreligious belief systems such as cults, and other movements such as those based on Eastern spirituality. Discussions of Hare Krishnas, Mormons, Scientologists, "Moonies," and Zen Buddhists are included. Terrorism offers a broad overview of a word first used in 1795, in conjunction with the French Revolution. Attention is given to a number of groups, including the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Hamas, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), Basque separatists (ETA), and al Qaeda. The roots of terrorism and modern methods, including chemical and biological weapons, are also explored. In all three books, color photographs are plentiful and color-keyed boxes include opposing viewpoints, facts, and topics to debate.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.