Gold, Susan Dudley Freedom of Information Act

Gold, Susan Dudley      Freedom of Information Act    

 Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark  2012  143p  27.95 978-1-60870-485-9      hs/adult    E-BNS       

      Follows U.S. Representative John Moss’ struggle, along with other representatives, senators and private citizens through the years, to get the Freedom of Information Act passed in 1966.   The Freedom of Information Act  (FOIA) has become the cornerstone of the public’s right to know in the United States. From Township records to Presidential documents, the FOIA balances government security, business interests and private concerns through the language of the Act. The history of the Act and it’s more public, subsequent uses are explained. This book is well sourced (notes and bibliography - both print and web-based. The ever-present (in this series) “From Bill to Law” can be found toward the end of this book. Illustrations are present, but the book is strong not because of them but because of the information it presents in such a readable fashion.   Landmark Legislation (MC)     

    Twenty titles complete this series. As with other titles in this series, all are well written and most informative. Highly recommend this for any middle school, high school or public library.    United States, Freedom of Information Act        Lyn Fisher

Gold, Susan Dudley Health Care Reform Act

Gold, Susan Dudley      Health Care Reform Act   

Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark  2012  143p  27.95 978-1-60870-486-6  

ms/hs VG-BN          

 Traces legislation at the national level that would provide health care for all United States citizens. Chronicles the initiatives, most of which failed, from 1912 through the Obama administration. Only one chapter deals with legislation of 2010. Grades 7-12.   An introduction provides a look at health care in the United States from the first hospital and medical school. The remaining chapters look at legislation such as Medicare and SCHIP and the recently passed Health Care Reform Act. The opposition to what some refer to as socialized medicine has been loud and consistent for the last 100 years. Reasons are provided to explain why legislation under almost every President failed. People who strongly believe in health care for everyone are highlighted with their efforts to pass legislation. While not a detailed look at the current provisions in the Health Care Reform Act of 2010, there is a brief summary of what the bill covers without the dates the coverage becomes effective since some provisions do not take place for a few years.  A textbook explanation of the history of health care legislation in America that presents solid facts. An index, chapter notes and further reading list concludes the book.     

 Landmark Legislation (MC)     Landmark Legislation covers 10 pieces of legislation that have had a great impact on ordinary citizens. The history, important people, and tortuous process of getting the ideas into law provide solid facts for report writers. Grades 7-12.    Health Care Legislation  

Lois McNicol