(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. Swift describes the current state of youth gangs around the world and examines the conditions that give rise to and help sustain them. He also offers recommendations for reducing the appeal of gangs, such as decriminalizing drugs, avoiding zero-tolerance policies, and pursuing more equitable economic conditions. Although the book is well researched, the information is often disorganized. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. "The big media may be dominant but they are not omnipotent." Covering topics from investigative journalism to reporting ethics, Steven's deeply analytical text dissects media and the role it plays in various societies throughout the world. Though sometimes weakened by sweeping generalities, this information-dense polemic will inspire readers to think about how and where they get their news. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. Valverde, director of the University of Toronto Centre of Criminology, examines the role and nature of law in cultures throughout time, concluding that even in democratic societies legal systems frequently fail. Though some readers might be discouraged by the dense, esoteric text, Valverde's lofty theorizing (e.g., why law is not necessarily justice) and passionate call for reform will engage civic-minded teens. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. Using slang and plenty of examples, Higgins makes hip-hop culture accessible for the uninitiated; he also manages to keep the conversation elevated enough to engage aficionados (though at times his personal views and informality undermine the informational tone). The text addresses misogyny, homophobia, and violence head-on, celebrating hip-hop and its rich history even while calling for change. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. Like other titles in the series, this volume is both ambitious and unapologetically polemical. Beginning with a historical overview, including the political exclusion of women and minorities, the text examines democracy right up to present-day conflicts. The scope of his topic forces Laxer to sacrifice nuance for generalities. Nonetheless, the information offered makes a good foundation for further research. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. Slavery has not disappeared, it's just become more difficult to see. This thought-provoking volume is full of disquieting information about globe-wide contemporary slavery. Though the text is sometimes burdened by its own indignation, anecdotal sidebars about individuals' experiences keep it from being too abrasive. The final chapter, followed by information on anti-slavery organizations, calls on governments and individuals to eradicate slavery. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(3) YA Groundwork Guides series. In this polemic introduction to the history and development of Africa, Caplan asks, "How do we account for Africa's plight, and what can be done about it?" In detail-rich, but dense, chapters, complete with informative sidebars, Caplan traces the history of the continent from human origins to contemporary politics--laying blame on developed countries for their imperialism, exploitation, and indifference. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(3) YA Groundwork Guides series. This dense and unabashedly strong-viewed introduction to the history of oil begins with the first oil wells of the mid-nineteenth century and ends with a discussion of global warming. By the final chapter, readers have traveled through the oil regions of the world and are left to contemplate, "who will consume the last barrel of oil?" Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. This book begins with the premise that, "if most of us live in cities, we need to understand how these complex places function." Lorinc draws fascinating parallels between ancient and contemporary cities, but he does not spend enough time discussing positive urban elements, such as arts and culture. As represented in the strongest chapter, "Urban Poverty," somberness defines this volume. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(3) YA Groundwork Guides series. Translated by Maria Lundin. "Personally, I love having a penis." TMI? Perhaps, but both genders will find this uninhibited Swedish import enlightening and entertaining. The conversational text covers genitals (in great detail), love, sexual equality, homosexuality, masturbation, and pornography. Chapters on STDs, contraception, "the first time," and orgasms ("Omigod. It's getting closer") provide honest information. Teen testimonials accompany the nonjudgmental unillustrated discussion. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. This well-researched text describes the different empires that have existed throughout history, paying particular attention to how the American "empire" of today evolved from the Roman and British models. Though the author's personal biases are overly evident ("the Bush administration...in clear violation of international law"), this is a unique offering for researchers. Maps, sidebars, and source notes extend the text. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. This book gives readers information about the history of Islam, beliefs and practices of modern-day Muslims, and misconceptions about the religion. The writing is clear, concise, and informative. The author has an axe to grind, however--specifically with the current Bush administration--which he doesn't attempt to sugarcoat ("Muslims...have reasons to be angry at George W. Bush"). Reading list. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. The text presents background information on the genocide in Darfur then vividly describes other genocides throughout history. It also discusses in more general terms the responsibility governments have to curtail human rights abuses. The author's biases are evident throughout (some of her language verges on propaganda), but the book gives an impassioned overview of a timely topic. Source notes are included. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. This exploration of global warming is clear, concise, and well organized, though not especially engaging. Shaded boxes further explicate interesting information, while maps, timelines, charts, and graphs provide useful visual representations of the sometimes dense text. Endnotes are also included. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth