Tibet : Disputed Land

Children's Literature

Lerner's "World in Conflict" series (including East Timor and Bosnia) examines the complexities of major conflicts around the world—the underlying reasons, history, and attempts at resolution. It is an interesting and thoughtprovoking way to approach cultural, religious, and geopolitical struggle. All three play a role in Tibet, and Kizilos explains the issues in clear terms, in language accessible to young readers. Sidebars offer explanations of the refugee crisis, the process of selecting a Dalai Lama, Britain's early 20th century role in muddying diplomatic waters with China, and more. Maps, chronology, and index, are included. Photographs, many archival, add perspective to the heartbreaking tale of a beautiful land. 2000, Lerner Publications, Ages 9 to 14, $25.26. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami

VOYA

The World in Conflict series analyzes twelve world hotspots including Bosnia, Cyprus, East Timor, Haiti, Kurdistan, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. The two volumes reviewed here, Tibet and Quebec, are written in a straightforward, fact-packed style, providing historical perspective for the roots of conflict in each area. Tibet's complex political problem, whether or not the country belongs to China, is explained systematically, but the author does not offer an opinion as to which side is correct. Quebec's conflict, whether or not French Quebec Province will secede from English-speaking Canada to become an independent nation, is laid out similarly. Sidebars highlight key points or focus briefly on a relevant related topic, such the concise comparison of the English versus the French legal system. A glossary of important words and brief bios of important figures help the reader quickly establish a basis for understanding. Because news in these areas of the world changes daily, this series cannot be completely up to date; however, the books give readers a basic foundation in the history of the conflict and provide a framework for understanding new developments reported in the news. This series will be useful for junior and senior high school student research and could be recommended for more general readership, such as to travelers who wish to supplement standard guidebooks. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Source Notes. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000,Lerner, 80p. PLB $25.26. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Dolores Maminski SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)