January 1, 2010
Gr 6-8-In each title, the topic is introduced, background and historical information are provided, and then the debate surrounding the issue is discussed. The opposing viewpoints are intertwined throughout rather than presented as separate chapters. The titles conclude with summaries of salient information, time lines, and sections titled "Essential Facts" and "Source Notes." Thorough sources are included for each chapter. The titles include a few photographs as well as sidebars that highlight additional facts. Geared for middle school students, the books for the most part reach their target audience, although "Genetically Modified Foods" assumes some knowledge of genetics. Particularly interesting are the chapters titled "The Evolution of Cosmetic Surgery" in "Cosmetic Surgery" and "Sex Education in U.S. History" in "Sex Education in Schools". The titles succeed in providing balanced viewpoints, successfully incorporating historical information with current concerns. "Teaching Intelligent Design" and "Genetically Modified Foods" both do a particularly good job placing the controversy in a social, economic, and political context. Visually, the titles are less successful. The marbled-paper borders on each page are old-fashioned, and the white space at the end of some chapters seems to call out for graphics, or at least a tighter layout. Useful for reports."Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY"
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