(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Seven concise chapters cover the history of the internet, offering information about various types of web-based communication tools and stressing the importance of critical thinking in both searching for and evaluating information. Tips and techniques for online safety and sample screenshots are included. Staged stock photographs of smiling teens using computers don't add much to the presentation. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. This book gives a broad overview of the historical antecedents, critical events, prominent individuals, and political, social, and cultural impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The text, including sidebars, is dry but clear and accessible. Photographs (most from the Associated Press) set in a textbooklike design help illustrate the information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. This series entry gives a broad overview of the historical antecedents, critical events, prominent individuals, and political, social, and cultural impact of the second Iraq War. The text, including sidebars, is dry but clear and accessible. A map and photographs (most from the Associated Press) set in a textbooklike design help illustrate the material. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. This volume's five chapters cover basic facts about teens' sexual behavior, birth control options (any myths), pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and sex education in schools. The information is accessible, but the textbooklike design and unconvincing stock photos are regrettable. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Ten short chapters discuss the relationship between food, family, peers, and emotions; eating disorders; the dangers of weight-loss diets and pills; vegetarianism; and the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. The accessible if dull design includes stock photos, many staged. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters look at the controversy surrounding the debate between proponents of evolution and of intelligent design. Gordon discusses both sides of the argument and looks at how it has played out in classrooms and the political realm. The accessible if dull design includes stock photos. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, short chapters explore different types of abuse and discuss short- and long-term physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. The accessible if dull design includes stock photos, many staged. A list of contact information for related organizations is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters explore how depression or cancer can affect the lives of young people. Drawing on research from a variety of sources and personal anecdotes, the books provide factual information and discussion of the psychological and emotional concerns associated with the diseases. The accessible if dull design includes stock photos, many staged. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issue in Focus Today titles: The Truth About Cancer and More Than the Blues?.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters explore how depression or cancer can affect the lives of young people. Drawing on research from a variety of sources and personal anecdotes, the books provide factual information and discussion of the psychological and emotional concerns associated with the diseases. The accessible if dull design includes stock photos, many staged. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issue in Focus Today titles: The Truth About Cancer and More Than the Blues?.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters incorporate factual information into personal anecdotes for accessible discussions of these topics. Losing covers the grieving process before focusing on different losses (parent, pet, sibling, etc.). Stressed looks at sources, effects, and coping mechanisms. The page design is approachable if dull. Many of the photos look staged. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issues in Focus Today titles: Stressed out in School? and Losing Someone You Love

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters incorporate factual information into personal anecdotes for accessible discussions of these topics. Losing covers the grieving process before focusing on different losses (parent, pet, sibling, etc.). Stressed looks at sources, effects, and coping mechanisms. The page design is approachable if dull. Many of the photos look staged. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issues in Focus Today titles: Stressed out in School? and Losing Someone You Love

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Written to stimulate thoughtful reflection and discussion, these books examine different sides of the many questions surrounding genocide and abortion; Genocide has been revised and expanded. The short, accessible chapters are accompanied by stock photographs, sidebars, and some diagrams in an uninspired design. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issues in Focus Today titles: Genocide and The Abortion Debate.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Written to stimulate thoughtful reflection and discussion, these books examine different sides of the many questions surrounding genocide and abortion; Genocide has been revised and expanded. The short, accessible chapters are accompanied by stock photographs, sidebars, and some diagrams in an uninspired design. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issues in Focus Today titles: Genocide and The Abortion Debate.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters describe the changes in America's response to terrorism after September 11th. Topics include efforts to balance Homeland Security initiatives with the protection of civil liberties, types of security threats that exist, and preparations to meet potential attacks. Many photographs (a few awkwardly staged) and some historical reproductions illustrate the text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Seven chapters examine religion and free speech within the context of public, private, and political life. The book tackles issues challenging the separation of church and state, such as religion and the Constitution, holiday celebrations in schools, and religious symbolism. The short, accessible chapters are accompanied by stock photographs, some art reproductions, and occasional sidebars in an uninspired design. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters trace the history of China, giving some background information but focusing mostly on events after the 1976 death of Mao Zedong. Issues include changes in government structure, political unrest and reform, human rights, and environmental challenges. Maps, photographs (some only marginally applicable), and occasional sidebars show the transformation of this superpower. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Eight brief chapters explore the history of U.S. immigration and the increasingly contentious political debate over immigration reform, tackling such topics as the rise in illegal immigration, how immigration affects the global economy, and proposed changes in government policy. The short, accessible chapters are accompanied by stock and archival photographs and occasional sidebars in an uninspired design. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters trace the tumultuous history of Islam from the birth of Muhammad in 570 CE to modern times. Topics include religious beliefs and practices and the role of women in Muslim society; the concluding chapter discusses the concept of jihad. Many photographs (a few awkwardly staged), occasional sidebars, and maps illustrate the text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 Issues in Focus Today series. This book offers a general, evenhanded overview of the controversial subject of genetically engineered food. It begins with a discussion of the "Enviropig," a genetically modified breed of pig with "environmentally friendly" waste. The author then discusses history, production, and pros and cons of genetically engineered food. Short chapters are illustrated with photographs (some stiffly and awkwardly staged). Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters explore the issues of child labor and weapons of mass destruction from a historical perspective. Specific topics include current conditions, the search for solutions, and speculation about the future. Though the text is dense, photographs, sidebars, and biographical information about activists, scientists, and other important figures in each area help give a more personal view. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issues in Focus Today titles: Child Labor Today and Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo