Sterngass, Jon. Terrorism.

Sterngass, Jon.  Terrorism.   Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2011.  80p.  $22.95  ISBN 978-0-7614-4977-5     ms/hs E-BNS      

     This well-written and well-researched guide to terrorism examines the various reasons for terrorist acts and offers statistics on their effects.  Famous groups are introduced, ways that governments deal with terrorism are covered, and the role of the media and censorship are presented.  Several strengths make this book a very good choice for introducing the subject of terrorism to teenagers.  First, the author presents two viewpoints, that of the victim and that of the perpetrator.  That unbiased look shows new students of terrorism that people who commit these acts have an agenda, often basing their actions on their own interpretations of religious documents and beliefs or on a desire to make a certain political statement, such as striving for independence in Northern Ireland. 

     In addition to the definition of terrorism and a look at the reasons for the actions of terrorists, the author organizes the book into five parts, thus ensuring clarity and helping young readers divide this rather difficult topic into a structure that will aid in their comprehension of the different kinds of terrorism.  The five chapters include a definition, an examination of the various terrorist organizations, a look at the machination of terrorism, actions that governments undertake to fight terrorism, and finally, several case studies that allow for wonderful classroom interactions and discussions. 

     Another strength lies in the introductory coverage of related topics.  Jon Sterngass introduces thought-provoking issues like water boarding, retaliation and suicide bombings, and he provides statistics about injuries and deaths, which are not presented to scare the reader but to inform him or her.  By broaching these related topics, Sterngass offers the classroom teacher much to discuss and debate.  On the other hand, the supporting photographs are chilling in their portrayal of real-life events, especially the photograph of a suicide bomber with her three-year-old son holding a grenade.  With that in mind, classroom teachers should choose which parts to introduce to younger readers.  For more mature readers, they will undoubtedly find this book to be helpful both as a starting point or as an entire unit!  A timeline, glossary and index wrap up the book.     

     The series is entitled Debating the Issues, and it includes titles about animal rights, global warming, immigration, nuclear energy, student rights and terrorism.  Well-organized and comprehensive, these books study each issue fairly and offer a glossary, a timeline and debate topics.

Martha Squaresky

 

Carson, Mary Kay. Far Out Guide to Asteroids and Comets

Carson, Mary Kay Far Out Guide to Asteroids and Comets
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93 978-0-7660-3188-3
elm/ms Asteroids and Comets VG-BNS Far Out Guide to the Solar System(Enslow)


Carson explains asteroids and comets, and discusses a variety of issues related to them, including the possibility that one will impact the earth in future!
This book, like the others by Carson, is well researched, well written, and well organized. The photos, taken from space, are very interesting and crucial to the text, and all the questions raised in one section are addressed in a subsequent sections. (An example of this is the statement “Fortunately, scientists are on the lookout” on page 8.)
The “Fast Facts” and Timeline sections in these books are very well done and helpful. Other helpful features are the “Far-Out Facts”, glossaries, and lists of sources for further research. Kennedy, Carol

American Archaeology Uncovers the Westward Movement.

Huey, Lois Miner. American Archaeology Uncovers the Westward Movement.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 64p $25.09 American Archeology(MC)
978-0-7614-4265-3 elm/ms VG-BN
Describes the methods used by American archaeologists to learn about the westward expansion in North America. This fascinating study of the archaeology of historic locations fills a void for helping readers understand how we know what we know about history. An introduction to historical archaeology explains how archaeologists recreate how people in the past lived by unearthing and studying garbage: broken glassware, bones, and the foundations of homes and barns. Six fact filled, easy to read chapters focus on a variety of locations that were to be found along the trails that were part of the Westward Movement. The author discusses what archaeologists uncovered at these sites and then shows how historians used these artifacts to interpret the past while also including the factual historical record. A variety of captioned photographs of artifacts and archaeologists working in the field, as well as maps and diagrams complement the text. Sidebars provide additional information on other trails and locations associated with the Westward Movement. The narrative is the highlight of this title, making history come alive for amateur archaeologists who fancy themselves Indiana Jones. A timeline highlights the important events associated with Westward Migration. Includes a glossary, sources for further information and a detailed index. This series has much potential, and perhaps can branch out to include archaeology of well-known historic sites, such as the recently discovered evidence of slavery in the shadow of Independence Hall. Some of the websites have advertising and such sites should not be suggested. A button on the Gold Rush site that states “click here to learn more” does not refer to finding more information on the Gold Rush but instead takes young students to a site selling diabetic supplies and further confuses students who may think that cancel will navigate them away from the page but in fact cancels the navigation. Zajko, Rosanne & Theal, Joan

Revolution in Computers.

Jackson, Cari. Revolution in Computers.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 32p 28.50 It Works(MC)
978-0-7614-4375-9 elem E-BN
A history of computers and how they developed into everyday tools for school and home use. This computer book simplifies the history of computers and explains how the computers developed and became a household item as well as a tool used in businesses and in schools. The first modern computer was Harvard Mark I created in 1944. It was 8 feet high and 2 feet deep. It weigh 5 tons. Since then computers have changed and are now as little as a Netbook - 10” inches tall, weighing barely 6 lbs. to 10 lbs. Computers have also revolutionize how we listen to music. Today you can use an Ipod which is a tiny devise that can hold as many as 500 songs or more. This book will tell you who the computer wizards were that began to place the computers at our disposal. It is fully illustrated with funny cartoons even as it gets the message across to students.
Includes special project on how to create a 3-D eyeglasses,Timeline, Glossary, Booklist, Websites and index. Diaz, Magna

Van Meter, Larry A. Women Win the Vote

Van Meter, Larry A. Women Win the Vote.
Enslow 2009 128p 31.93 978-0-7660-2940-8 ms/hs
America's Living History#9 (Enslow)

Overview of the history of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Includes background and biographical material, as well as a time line of the suffrage movement up to and including the Nineteenth Amendment. Fact and photo-filled overview of the Women’s Suffrage movement in the United States. Each major personality in the movement is profiled, and background information is useful and factually accurate. Cover is appealing to younger readers, and content is accessible. Difficulty terminology is explained, although no glossary is provided. A time line of the movement, chapter notes, bibliography and index complete the volume. Photos and illustrations are mostly in color, and are strategically located within the text. Colorful text boxes highlight useful background material and/or biographical profiles. A useful resource for research at the middle grades through early high school. PN