The Environment

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Adequate overviews of complicated global issues, these books appear in a well-organized, standardized format, with easily interpretable maps and graphs; clearly captioned and appropriately placed photographs; and clear, understandable text. Endangered Wildlife and The Environment will lure readers because of the vivid illustrations, readable text, and timely topics. Report writers will find information and statistics here, and should become appropriately alarmed about the extinction of animal and plant species and the abuse and destruction of the environment. In International Terrorism Edwards cautiously presents a timely, well-balanced overview of the definitions, history, and uses of terrorism; the attempts and methods used to combat it; and alerts readers to the fact that one's political perspective and bias may color one's interpretation of the terrorists' acts of violence. One odd phrase, ``where terrorism is unjustified,'' makes readers question if terrorism isn't always unjustified. Readers could be easily misguided by World Health if they do not read the complete book. One page states that breast feeding prevents pregnancy; later it is clarified that a breast feeding woman is unlikely to get pregnant. Another part reads, ``Few will ever have protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and eggs, but these foods are not essential for growth and good health.'' In Arms Trade, the authors explore in a politically well-balanced way the history, causes, effects, and possible control of the exporting and importing of weapons. The information is current, but the book does not go into as much depth as Ann Weiss' The Nuclear Arms Race (Houghton, 1983). The graphic depiction in International Drug Trade of drug use and drug users, drug growers, and drug pushers throughout the world will alert young readers to the magnitude and consequences of this international trading in drugs. The vividly colored and clearly captioned photographs and the readable text are inviting and informative. This series responds to a need for information on critical issues at this grade level, but a real disservice is performed by not identifying the sources used which support and verify the generous amounts of information.-- Lydia Champlin, Beachwood City Schools, Ohio