Video Games

VOYA - Laura Panter

Each book in this series provides information on a host of current controversial topics relevant to today's society, from drug legalization and abortion to school violence and video games. In Video Games, a debate highlights the subjective issue of whether video games are harmful to children. Although some people believe video games create violent tendencies and harmful addictions, others claim that games are educational or help rehabilitate those with health issues. An analysis of game regulations that discusses the number of children and teens playing games with mature ratings sparks debate, suggesting that parents should be more aware of video game content and that sales of video games to minors should be more closely monitored. All series books have a common chapter layout that begins with an overview of the specific topic and ends with lists of primary quotes, quick facts, and charts or graphs of statistics found on each debated issue. The books are well researched and informative. The statistics are current and will be considered an excellent source for research papers. The language enables any age group to use the information, and the use of charts to convey a point is helpful for reluctant readers as well as a positive teaching tool. Reviewer: Laura Panter

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9

The introduction to School Violence looks at the prevalence of the problem; causes such as bullying and gangs; the influence of the media, including online sources, on behavior; and the roles of alcohol and drugs, etc. The "...at a glance" spread and "Overview" prepare readers for the more detailed information to come and provide facts about safety issues. Each of four chapters then addresses both sides of a question, followed by four pages of quotes and a section of colorful graphs, charts, and illustrations. The second book opens with descriptions of the growing popularity of video games and the regulation and legislation of content and sales; ratings; connections with violent crime; and health effects, including addiction. An overview provides further background and context to these issues, and as in School Violence , chapters follow addressing related questions and providing other related material. These chapters look more closely at the influence of the pastime on users' health and also cover the games' effects on perception of right and wrong, intelligence, development of analytical and social skills and negative stereotypes, etc. The accessible and objective presentations and lists of key people and advocacy groups make these useful resources for research.-Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE