(3) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. After an introduction on Dolly the sheep, this balanced exploration of the issues of human cloning explains the history of cloning attempts and a fairly simple explanation of the science, followed by chapters laying out the arguments for and against the use of the science to produce human clones. A chapter on the future of cloning concludes the volume, which is illustrated with color photos and diagrams. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Hot Issues series. This straightforward, well-organized look at school violence discusses possible causes and both successful and controversial methods of reducing it (e.g., having school bullies watch autopsies). Readers will appreciate the book's overall lack of hysteria--Cruz even lets Marilyn Manson defend himself--but they may also feel insulted by the staged, melodramatic color photos, as of a gun, a beer, and a joint on a windowsill. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Hot Issues series. This overview of beauty standards for women is part social history, part self-help book, and part scold (it's clear where the author stands on cosmetic surgery, etc.). The sections on eating disorders and media culpability don't break new ground, but passages contrasting different cultures' beauty norms are fascinating and persuasive. Photos of stylish women through the ages accompany the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. An introduction to the controversy over gun violence is followed by chapters on the statistics of gun control, the history of gun use and gun control legislation, and one chapter each on arguments for and against gun control. A chapter about what's on the horizon concludes the volume. Readable, reasonable, and balanced, the open text is enhanced by tables, sidebars, and color photos. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. This lucid and evenhanded if sometimes repetitive look at the divisive subject of doctor-assisted suicide covers both the expected territory--Dr. Jack Kevorkian, Karen Ann Quinlan--and less-trodden ground, including the disability-rights movement's dissent and how good hospice care might alleviate much patient suffering. Color photos of activists on both sides of the issue appear throughout. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Hot Issues series. This overview examines the disturbing causes and the dire consequences of hate and racism. White supremacist groups, religious extremists, and patriot militias are described in detail, as well as possible ways to prevent hate crimes. Color photos and graphs accompany the informative and accessible text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(4) YA Hot Issues series. A clearly written if somewhat repetitive text includes discussion of the growing population of mixed-race Americans, the prejudice they encounter, the history of interracial marriage in the United States, and terminology preferences. One-page bios of well-known people with multiracial backgrounds are interspersed throughout. Pearl Fuyo Gaskins's What Are You? is a far better book on the subject. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. Cruz examines both sides of the school dress code and school uniform issues in a book that, while somewhat oversimplified, will be of use for reports or debates. Examples from fairly recent national events provide context for the discussion. A two-page summary of twelve famous court cases looks at what students' rights have been. Color photos accompany the evenhanded text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Hot Issues series. This overview includes discussion of privacy rights versus the enforcement of safety in schools, the right to keep private court and medical records, and the difficulty of retaining privacy when searching or shopping on the Internet. Though Durrett's writing style is lackluster, she does write clearly about an issue likely of interest to many teens. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) YA Hot Issues series. Six short chapters, illustrated with well-captioned color photographs, provide standard report information for students researching this topic. A chapter focusing on successful efforts to recover endangered species and a list of recommended organizations and websites are useful features. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) YA Hot Issues series. In unsensational language this book briefly presents national statistics on runaways, reasons why teens run (including parents who kick them out), a brief description of the hazards of street life, agencies that offer help, and methods of prevention. Occasional color photos illustrate the text, which is carefully footnoted; lists of agencies and websites are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Hot Issues series. A rushed history of the U.S. women's movement segues into a convincing case for today's adolescent girls' involvement in the much-maligned feminist tradition. Unfortunately, the book's two missions--history lesson and girl-power treatise--cannot be done justice in so few pages. Included are scattered insights from girls, helpful definitions (as of sexual harassment), and photographs of activist women, famous and otherwise. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Hot Issues series. Pregnancy dissects the cost of teen parenthood to their children, society, and the teens themselves; Stalking discusses the issue in general terms but also focuses on teens' vulnerability. Both books are interested in larger cultural themes, such as how the media influences teen sexuality and encourages celebrity fixations. Cautionary anecdotes, photos, and sidebars reinforce the authors' points. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. The book's pro/con approach oversimplifies an extremely complex issue. However, the author uses quotes, examples, and statistics that will help students prepare their own debates on the subject. Color photographs illustrate the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. These books cover the two main sides of each issue, while a final brief chapter summarizes the points on each side or discusses finding common ground. The authors use quotes, statistics, and examples that will help students prepare for their own debates, but the examinations of the issues are still fairly superficial. Drug Testing has a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. These books cover the two main sides of each issue, while a final brief chapter summarizes the points on each side or discusses finding common ground. The authors use quotes, statistics, and examples that will help students prepare for their own debates, but the examinations of the issues are still fairly superficial. Drug Testing has a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. This is an accessible discussion of the ongoing debate over funding the U.S. space program. Beginning with some history about the 1960s' space race, Flowers looks at the risks, costs, and benefits associated with space exploration and at what the future holds. The text is accompanied by captioned color photos and charts that highlight pertinent information. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) YA Hot Issues series. Useful for report writers, this is a critical look at cults, which are often hard to distinguish from (and sometimes become) established religions. The insights into cults' lure--young adults are notoriously susceptible--would have been enhanced by testimony from former members and by advice on what to do if a friend is indoctrinated. Profiles of well-known cults are accompanied by photos of renowned leaders. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Hot Issues series. Pregnancy dissects the cost of teen parenthood to their children, society, and the teens themselves; Stalking discusses the issue in general terms but also focuses on teens' vulnerability. Both books are interested in larger cultural themes, such as how the media influences teen sexuality and encourages celebrity fixations. Cautionary anecdotes, photos, and sidebars reinforce the authors' points. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. These books cover the two main sides of each issue, while a final brief chapter summarizes the points on each side or discusses finding common ground. The authors use quotes, statistics, and examples that will help students prepare for their own debates, but the examinations of the issues are still fairly superficial. Drug Testing has a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth