The Soviet Union

School Library Journal

Gr 7-12 This volume, like others in the series, consists of excerpts chosen to re flect and counter specific viewpoints on a subject, in this case, the USSR. Topics are: whether the USSR seeks world domi nation; human rights in the USSR; the So viet economy; the USSR's role in eastern Europe; and glasnost . Several opposing essays are included under each topic by respected writers, both Soviet (including Gorbachev) and American. These are very recent (mostly 1987) and are inter spersed with brief quotes and cartoons. Each is preceded by questions to consider and author information. Questions and a periodical bibliography are included in each section; there is a bibliography of books at the end. Designed to improve critical reading, develop respect for oppo sition, and allow students to sift fact from opinion, this series will help readers be come better informed and more thought ful. However, the text is rather taxing. So viet prose is heavy on statistics and rhetoric, and even the American prose is demanding. Apart from this, it's an excel lent resource: timely, authoritative, and comprehensive. Ann Donovan, Central Washington University, Ellensburg