The Spread of AIDS

School Library Journal

Gr 9 UpThis collection of 16 uncut articles, drawn mainly from recent books and periodicals, focuses on controversies surrounding measures that are being taken (or are being considered) to control the AIDS epidemic: mandatory, routine HIV testing of various groups such as infants, pregnant women, marriage-license applicants, and hospital patients; AIDS education, particularly aimed at high-risk populations; hypodermic needle-exchange programs for addicts; condom distribution in schools; and the need for global strategies targeting prevention and treatment in third-world countries. Each article contains an introduction establishing the authority of the author or source and a brief statement of the issue to be discussed in subsequent text. Articles are followed by bibliographic references and a list of organizations to contact for further information. Thoughtfully selected to represent all points of view, the material will be extremely useful for class discussions and reports. The clear identification of articles as representing different opinions will help raise students' awareness of bias in other sources they may discover, therefore making this book an excellent tool for reinforcing critical-thinking skills.Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior High School, LaGrangeville, NY