The Militia Movement

School Library Journal

Gr 8 UpWith the resurgence of militias and the different forms they are now taking, a new book on the subject hits the stands every few weeks. In this one, the question of philosophy and purpose of today's militias, as opposed to those formed in colonial times, is debated. Historical names, quotations, and events are used to support ideas on both sides. A prcis of the viewpoint that is about to be presented begins each article. Throughout each entry, key sentences are repeated in boxed, bold print. The chapters that are pro-militia occupy the first half of the book, followed by arguments against the movement. Students with short attention spans may never learn why some people are opposed to militias. Neil Hamilton's more complete Militias in America (ABC-CLIO, 1996) presents the same material in a more objective manner and appends many of the same, plus many more resources for further information.Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High School, Brockton, MA