Cybercrime.

Berlatsky, Noah.  Cybercrime.  Gale/Greenhaven  2014  209p  $29.10      ISBN 978-0-7377-6907-4  hs    series: Global Viewpoints  Nonfiction  E-BN

This comprehensive book covers a variety of cybercrime issues around the world.  The issues of vulnerable populations, laws, organized crime, and cyber espionage are all covered, with examples from a wide variety of countries.  All of the situations described in the book are current examples, critical for research in this constantly evolving topic.  A bibliography, list of organizations to contact, bibliography, and index are included.

Summary: This book presents examples of cybercrime around the world.         

Cybercrime                                            --Stephanie Pennucci

Berlatsky, Noah. Netiquette and Online Ethics.

Berlatsky, Noah.  Netiquette and Online Ethics. Cengage/Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven  2013  213p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6429-1  Series: Opposing Viewpoints  ms/hs  E-BNS Nonfiction

The editor has compiled a selection of articles that address the impact that social media and internet use in general are having on individuals, societies, and morals across the globe.  Chapters specifically look at the relationship between the internet and civility, whether cyber bullying is a serious problem, what factors constitute etiquette and ethics in online relationships, and finally, the etiquette and ethics of social media.  A very balanced overview is presented about each of these topics, but this reader is concerned about how secondary-school readers (potentially the primary users of this resource) and their parents will interpret some of the articles.  From an adult perspective, each viewpoint is valid, whether one agrees with it or not, and these views reflect the variety of possible perspectives.  But I would definitely have concerns about who is reading the book and for what purpose. I can definitely imagine a teen walking away from reading snippets of the book and thinking that iffy behavior (such as posting nude photos online) would be okay, or trying to convince an adult of this by referencing an article contained in this book.  

Does this mean this volume is not good?  Definitely not. But unlike the views expressed in so many of the other volumes in this series, the ones presented here could have a negative impact on a student, and no one would necessarily know, since internet behavior is a difficult thing to monitor.  With consideration for addressing the Common Core, three or four questions precede each chapter that require higher-level thinking and responses.    As always, the Opposing Viewpoints series is a must-have collection for any high-school collection, and many of the titles are appropriate and useful at the middle-school level as well. 

Summary: Etiquette, the proper and improper uses of the internet and social media, and the impact these things have on society are covered in this volume of the Opposing Viewpoints series.       

Online etiquette                                            --Lynn Fisher

Berlatsky, Noah. Media Violence.

Berlatsky, Noah.  Media Violence.   Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)  2012  206p      $29.45  978-0-7377-6329-4  series: Opposing Viewpoints #4  ms/hs  VG-BNS

     

Media Violence is a terrific addition to the continually acclaimed series  Opposing Viewpoints. This book compliments the series by providing factual and unbiased information and presenting both sides of the argument about whether or not media violence is a serious problem, and whether it should be regulated. It further discusses the effects of violence in the news and the relationship between violence and sex in the media.  Each succinct chapter covers these issues and presents research-based findings.

The format and page layout are consistent with those in other titles in the series.  Information is presented, and one or more viewpoints about it follow. Text boxes enhance the text by providing additional information, definitions, and clarifications.  The layout lends itself to the book’s success as a resource tool.  It is straightforward and to the point, much in the same way the text is presented.  This book is an excellent resource and research tool, and it concludes with sources, further discussion, a list of organizations to contact, a bibliography, and an index.

This is one volume in the outstanding Opposing Viewpoints series. The series has been in progress for over 25 years and boasts over 90 titles.

Violence in mass media                                --Virginia McGarvey

Berlatsky, Noah. Transportation Infrastructure.

Berlatsky, Noah.  Transportation Infrastructure.  Cengage/Greenhaven    2012  118p $24.95 978-0-7377-6542-7  series: At Issue #12  ms/hs    VG-BNS   

This book presents pro and con opinion pieces related to the need for improved infrastructure sponsored by national debt. Since many articles center around the party platforms of the 2012 election, the book may seem dated within a year or two.  Grades 7-12.      

      Although the title refers to transportation infrastructure projects, there is a broader mention of crumbling schools, water treatment plants, sewage disposal systems, and other aging systems in large metropolitan areas.  The articles, taken from a variety of magazines and journals representing divergent points of view, discuss the sometimes flawed studies cited by people who support the urgent need for upgrades, the economic impact (or not) of government-funded projects, the political pork included in federal proposals, and the environmental effects of new projects.  Students will find facts and figures to support either side of the argument on whether infrastructure projects are an appropriate use of federal money and whether the projects actually solve problems.  Issues receiving special attention include mass transit, high-speed rail, bridges, and the privatization of roadways.  This book is a good jumping-off place for students who need to write a pro/con paper on government.     

At Issue provides pro/con articles taken from a variety of journals, most published within the last three years.  A summary of the article appears at the beginning of each chapter.  An annotated list of organizations to contact, bibliography and index complete each book.    

Infrastructure Improvements                                --Lois McNicol