Thompson, Tamara. Fracking.

Thompson, Tamara.  Fracking.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)  2013  106p  $25.45  ISBN 978-0-7377-6510-6  series: At Issue #12  ms/hs  Nonfiction  VG-BNs     

This book provides a good introduction to the issue of fracking, or hydraulic fracturing of natural gas, with points of view in favor of and opposed to the practice.  Each piece is short, with an initial, succinct summary.  Some of the points of view expressed were written by officials of ExxonMobil, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Food and Water Watch, and individuals from a variety of legal, literary and energy organizations.  The juxtaposition of the articles, pro and con, will give the student a lot to think about and will arm him/her with many of the arguments supporting each side of the debate.  One argument on the anti-fracking side that is missing, however, is the one about how many years of fuel fracking will actually be able to provide … there is a large body of evidence that, as the easier-to-obtain gas is depleted, it will no longer be cost-effective to continue fracking.  Including that argument in the anti-fracking articles would have presented a more balanced and accurate portrayal of the anti-fracking side.

The book is well organized, and there is a list of organizations to contact.  There is a bibliography, which is a good thing, but, as in other books in this series, the bibliography does not include all of the references that it should … namely, all the original pieces from which the articles were excerpted.  The index is good.

Summary: This book provides a good introduction to the issue of fracking, or hydraulic fracturing of natural gas, with points of view in favor of and opposed to the practice.  Each piece is short, with an initial, succinct summary.
     

Shale gas industry                                                --Carol Kennedy

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

Egendorf, Laura K. Organ Donation.

Egendorf, Laura K.  Organ Donation.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)     2013  182p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6333-1  series: Opposing Viewpoints  jr/sr  E  Nonfiction      

This volume in Greenhaven Press's Opposing Viewpoints series examines the controversial issue of organ donation. The four main questions covered by the book's nineteen opinion pieces are "Is the organ allocation system fair?", "How can organ donation be increased?", "What ethical issues surround organ donation?", and "What is the future of organ donation?" These chapters look at issues like how organs are allocated, whether it ought to be legal to sell organs for money, whether presumed consent to donate is the right way to get more donors, who should be allowed to donate, and what other options are available for recipients.  Most of the pieces are between six and ten pages in length, and each includes an overview of the piece and three questions for readers to consider as they read it.  It is relatively important to note that articles in Greenhaven Press anthologies are often edited to meet page length requirements, and the original titles of works may be changed to clearly present the main thesis and indicate the author's opinion. This means readers must assume that the presented material has not misrepresented the original author's opinion, or else find the source material and verify the matter. It is not difficult to find original sources, however, as the editors make every effort to cite the source on the first page of each article.  The selections offer a comprehensive and comprehensible representation of many aspects of organ donation that will enlighten more mature readers, from middle-school age to adulthood.    The Opposing Viewpoints series presents previously published writings on a variety of controversial subjects in order to demonstrate alternative or opposing views and encourage readers to think critically about assumptions and biases.   

Summary: This volume in Greenhaven Press's Opposing Viewpoints series examines the controversial issue of organ donation. The selections offer a comprehensive and comprehensible representation of many aspects of organ donation that will enlighten readers.

Organ donation                                        --Bethany Geleskie

Espejo, Roman. Smartphones.

Espejo, Roman.  Smartphones.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)      2013  204p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6343-0  series: Opposing Viewpoints  ms/hs  E-BNS  Nonfiction        

Smartphones, and the role they play in so many of our daily lives, is the subject of this volume in the Opposing Viewpoints series.  The editors of this title have compiled a selection of articles that address the huge issues that revolve around smartphones and their use.  Many of the articles address the usual topics of security, privacy, classroom use and ownership.  But the articles that struck me most were those that pointed out the equity issues of smartphones providing internet access for the underprivileged and Africans in rural areas.  Also of interest to this reader was the chapter addressing the future of smartphones and ramifications for personal computers, laptops and banking.  With consideration for addressing the Common Core, three or four questions precede each chapter that require higher-level thinking skills.  Very well referenced, with lists of both print and web resources, this volume is another excellent title in the Opposing Viewpoints series.  As always, the Opposing Viewpoint series is a must-have for any high school collection, and many of the titles are also appropriate and useful at the middle-school level.

Summary: Smartphones, and the role they play in so many of our daily lives, is the subject of this volume in the Opposing Viewpoints series.     

Mobile computing                                                  --Lynn Fisher

Gerdes, Louise I. Cybercrime.

Gerdes, Louise I.  Cybercrime.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)    2013 243p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6313-3 series: Opposing Viewpoints  ms/hs  E-BNS  Nonfiction        

Cybercrime and the impact it has on society is the topic of this volume in the Opposing Viewpoint series.   The editor has compiled a selection of articles that address the devastating impact that cybercrime is having on individuals and society in general. Chapters look at whether a cybercrime constitutes a real crime or not, how this type of crime is perpetrated, and laws against cybercrime.  Many of the articles also contain sidebars that reference related topics, such as “Grooming’ Victims” found embedded in an article about online predators, on page 77, and “The Value of the Open-Source World” found embedded in an article on internet activism, on page 143.  While authors often play the role of devil’s advocate, this reader was dumbfounded to read articles supporting hacking and its impact on the security of any nation.  Also, it seems ill-conceived to use an article from “Extra!” as a source, even though the article is well sourced and most informative. 

With consideration for addressing the Common Core, three or four questions precede each chapter that will require higher-level thinking skills.  All-in-all, this is a very informative volume about a very important issue.     As always, the Opposing Viewpoints series is a must-have for any high-school collection, and many of the titles are appropriate and useful at the middle-school level as well.

Summary: Cybercrime and the impact it has on society is the topic of this volume in the Opposing Viewpoint series.      The editor has compiled a selection of articles that address the devastating impact that cybercrime is having on individuals and society in general.

Computer crimes                                             --Lynn Fisher

Merino, Noel. Civil Liberties.

Merino, Noel.  Civil Liberties.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)  2013  250p   ISBN 978-0-7377-6305-8  series: Opposing Viewpoints  hs E-BN  Nonfiction 

Once again, Opposing Viewpoints does an excellent job presenting varying viewpoints on timely topics. The inclusion of recent U. S. Supreme Court cases involving political spending limits and privacy issues makes this a timely volume for government classes as well as current events classes.  Each general section starts with background information followed by at least four articles that explain the divergent viewpoints held by key groups of people.  In the section on freedom of speech, issues such as political campaign spending, hate speech, and censorship are covered.  The second section looks at the separation of church and state, with articles on prayer in school and religious tolerance. The third section looks at due process, including the rights of illegal aliens and terrorists.  The fourth section looks at issues of privacy, including government surveillance, internet privacy, and the use of warrants before tracking citizens.  This title would be a first choice for high-school libraries. Opposing Viewpoints includes many titles that provide pro/con articles written within the last few years.  Each book provides an overview of the topic, a history of the important landmark events, a list of resources for further reading, and an index.

Summary: This book presents pro/con articles about freedom of speech, separation of church and state, privacy issues and due process.  Discussion of recent Supreme Court Cases, including Citizens United and United States versus Jones, make this a timely volume. Grades 9-12.             

Civil Liberties                                         --Lois McNicol

Merino, Noel. Genetic Engineering.

Merino, Noel.  Genetic Engineering.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)     2013  227p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6425-3  series: Opposing Viewpoints     jr/sr  E   Nonfiction 

Dealing with a topic that concerns and affects many people of all ages, this book uses selected readings to look at genetic engineering as well as its effects on society and the environment. These are written by a wide variety of authors who discuss the issue in ways readers will find accessible, engaging, and relevant to their lives. The readings cover a fairly diverse array of opinions and issues surrounding genetic engineering, from the idea of designer offspring to the risks or non-risks of consuming genetically modified foods. Most of the pieces are between six and ten pages in length, and each includes an overview of the piece and three questions for readers to consider as they read it.  It is relatively important to note that articles in Greenhaven Press anthologies are often edited to meet page length requirements, and the original titles of works may be changed to clearly present the main thesis and indicate the author's opinion.  This means readers must assume that the material has not misrepresented the original author's opinion, or else be able to find the source material and verify the matter. It is not difficult to find original sources, however, as the editors make every effort to cite the source on the first page of each article.  At the end of each chapter there is a list of suggested readings on related subjects, and the last portion of the book includes a section on organizations to contact for more information.

The Opposing Viewpoints series presents previously published writings on a variety of controversial subjects in order to demonstrate alternative or opposing views and encourage readers to think critically about assumptions and bias.  

Summary: This title offers balanced pro/con articles about the issues surrounding genetic engineering both in food products and in people. These articles are written by a wide variety of authoritative voices that discuss the issues in ways readers will find accessible, engaging, and relevant to their lives.     

Genetic engineering                                  --Bethany Geleskie

Smith, Roland, and Michael P. Spradlin. The Alamo.

-->

Smith, Roland, and Michael P. Spradlin.   The Alamo. (I, Q series, Book 4)  Cengage/Sleeping Bear   2013  255p  ISBN 978-1-58536-822-8   ms/hs  VG  Adventure

Q (Quest) and Angela, along with some old spies (SOS) and assistance from the President of the United States, are still on the trail of a terrorist group that has five operatives.  In previous books, they have helped to neutralize a couple of the terrorists.  For readers new to the series, a cast of characters, along with their relationships and personalities, precedes the first chapter, as does a summary of the last three books.  Because there are so many characters, new readers will make good use of this preface material.  This adventure takes Q and Angela to the Alamo and a rock concert in San Antonio, where the next bomb is set to go off.  There is magic (thanks to Quentin), spooky happenings (thanks to Boone and his dog Croc), and lots of thrilling action. Fans of the series will eat this one up and be panting for the next book, which will take the crew to Chicago.                   

Summary: Two teenagers become involved with tracking a terrorist group. This fourth in a series ties up loose ends from previous adventures and hints of another series of adventures to come. Action adventure, spies and visits to national landmarks. Grades 7-10.

Action Adventure                                            --Lois McNicol

Watkins, Christine. Club Drugs.

Watkins, Christine.  Club Drugs.    Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven) 2013  117p ISBN 978-0-7377-6162-7  series: At Issue  hs/adult   E-BNS Nonfiction

This volume of the At Issue series presents the many dangers and prevalent use of club drugs by young people.  The drugs discussed are synthetics, ecstasy, ketamine, “spice”, and methamphetamine.  The editor’s introduction clearly presents many discussion points on this topic, and she has compiled a selection of articles that address the social and physical impacts of a variety of club drugs and whether or not the use and manufacture of these drugs should be regulated at any level.  Each of the articles is well sourced and written by knowledgeable and/or expert individuals in their field.  Some of the affects and impacts of the specific drugs are written out in full detail, and could serve as a wake-up call to young people engaged in the use of these drugs.  The information found in this book would be of value to any student doing a health-class paper on the topic, or students who participate in forensic studies.      This is a must-have title for any secondary-school library collection.  In addition, it would be an interesting title to offer public-library patrons.

Summary: This volume of the At Issue series presents the many dangers and prevalent use of club drugs by young people.  The drugs discussed are synthetics, ecstasy, ketamine, “spice”, and methamphetamine.   

Club drugs                                                  --Lynn Fisher

Espejo, Roman. Policing the Internet.

Espejo, Roman.  Policing the Internet.    Cengage/Greenhaven  2012  122p        $34.45  978-0-7377-5591-6  series: At Issue.      secondary  VG-BNS

Twelve articles and essays by informed writers with varying opinions on the subject of internet censorship and cyber-crime have been assembled to enable a reader to form an educated opinion. The book includes directions to many high-quality resources for further research.  Covering an issue of particular interest and relevance to the youth of today, this volume in the At Issue series takes a close look at the issues raised by proponents of internet regulation, as well as the arguments of those who oppose the imposition of external governance on the internet.  Some of the issues that are dealt with include identity theft, pornography, cyber-terrorism, and especially cyber bullying.  Readers are strongly encouraged to form their own opinions while keeping an open mind to the opinions of others.  They are also encouraged to seek more information on their own.  Each issue is examined with at least one representative article from each side, which has been selected for its accessibility to readers of various levels.  The articles are neither too technical nor too simplistic, holding a reader’s interest without losing them.  At the beginning of each article there is an abstract of sorts, intended to draw readers’ attention to the key points of the article.  The end of the book has a fine list of organizations to contact as well as a full bibliography.  This is a book that will encourage informed debate among readers, and it achieves the difficult feat of presenting truly balanced viewpoints, so that even those who feel very strongly about a particular issue will have no difficulty in grasping the point of view espoused by an opponent.      The At Issue series is intended to provide a diverse sampling of facts and opinions on a wide variety of individual social issues.

Computer crimes-Prevention, Internet-Law and legislation, Internet-Social aspects                                             -- Bethany Geleskie