Violence at Schools

Children's Literature

Aimed at the high school classroom reader, the book describes media violence in movies, television, music, and video games. It discusses the effect of negative messages on young people, proposing some positive aspects of such media as well. Supporting the reader are chapter overviews, numerous sidebars of short anecdotes about teenagers involved in issues, such as seeing a friend's dead body on the television news, or girls being referred with language borrowed from music. Some would make good discussion starters, as would certain "myths" which are demythologized in separate sections. In addition, each chapter ends with four or five points to consider, either in writing or in class discussion. Color photographs are decorative rather than informative. Glossary, index, further readings, and website addresses support the interested student. "Perspectives on Violence" series. 2000, Capstone/LifeMatters, Ages 12 to 16, $22.60. Reviewer: Susan Hepler