(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. These books explore arguments on both sides of complex contemporary issues. Authors cover the main points surrounding legal precedent, constitutionality, and moral considerations of gambling or the punishment of sex offenders. Sidebars include important court cases, relevant laws, and history of the issues. The writing is clear but dense. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Point-Counterpoint titles: Sentencing Sex Offenders and Legalized Gambling.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. In this revised and updated volume, Hudson presents arguments for and against smoking bans, restrictions on tobacco advertising, and lawsuits against tobacco companies. The text, though dense, is balanced, and debate students will find it useful. The dull format is enlivened by occasional stock photographs, maps, and "From the Bench" sidebars that explore related court decisions. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. Should blog writers be given the same protections as traditional journalists? Hudson explores such related issues as free speech and blogging. Specific questions are examined through two essays presenting opposing points of view. The subject is of particular interest to older students, and the book includes solid information, but dense writing won't hold their attention. Sidebars and occasional photos break up the text. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. This series uses a debate format to explore contemporary issues. For example, one chapter in the book on euthanasia argues for state bans on physician-assisted suicide, and the following chapter argues that such a ban prolongs patients' suffering. The writing is solid but dense; personal stories and some photographs enliven the textbooklike presentation. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Point-Counterpoint titles: The Right to Die and Prisoners' Rights.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. Each book in this series argues both sides of a contemporary issue. Women in the Military, for example, includes two chapters on ground combat: one arguing that women shouldn't fight, the other asserting that women have the right to do battle alongside men. Each volume uses personal stories and some photographs to enliven the dense, textbook-style presentation. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Point-Counterpoint titles: Educational Standards, Private Property Rights, and Women in the Military.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) YA Point-Counterpoint series. Targeted toward high school debate students, this series presents well-organized, concise, and comprehensive arguments on both sides of several controversial key issues related to the main topic. Charts, graphs, and other data provide supplemental support material. Source notes, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Point-Counterpoint titles: American Military Policy, Rights of Students, Affirmative Action, Religion in Public Schools, Legalizing Marijuana, and Mandatory Military Service.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. These books cover both sides of three to four questions on each topic, including gay marriage and file sharing on the Internet. The attempt to balance the issues limits the amount of depth. Sidebars about relevant court decisions and reader questions help break up the text. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Point-Counterpoint titles: Gay Rights, DNA Evidence, Policing the Internet, and The War on Terror.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA Constitution series. Bill and Constitution analyze the documents and describe the origins of, logic behind, and implications of the corresponding amendments or articles. A redundant volume, Creating briefly describes the need for a U.S. Constitution, some of the compromises reached during its drafting, and the fight for passage. Period reproductions illustrate the texts, each of which is appended by a copy of the Constitution. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Constitution titles: The Bill of Rights, The Constitution, and Creating the Constitution.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA Constitution series. Encyclopedia-quality prose explains why the Fourteenth Amendment was deemed necessary, describes its conception and ratification, and outlines each of the amendment's five sections. Stock, grainy black-and-white photos and reproductions illustrate the text, which cites prominent court cases involving Fourteenth Amendment issues of due process and equal protection. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta