(2) K-3 Illustrated by Elizabeth Goss. Rusch's thought-provoking text begins: "Nothing is the space around and between everything." The presence of nothing, cued by plain white areas in the cut-paper illustrations, appears first as physical space: the gap where a tooth once sat, the expanse between stars in the sky, the space for a missing puzzle piece. Important, too, is nothing as temporal space: the moment before a leap of faith or a bit of spare time in one's day. Even in music, room for nothing fosters beauty: "For what is a song without some silence?" There can be, of course, too much or too little of nothing. On these spreads in particular, Goss's use of color and space makes a strong emotional impact: a queasy-green child sandwiched between tightly packed adults in a crowd finds "too little" of nothing, while a blue-hued child sulks surrounded by "too much" of nothing amid a stark white double-page spread. Wherever nothing is found, there is space for something to unfurl. Goss's intricate illustrations visually articulate the importance of nothing, or negative space, as discussed in the back matter. A striking call for young children and aspiring artists alike, the story sets out to prove that "nothing" matters, after all.

Reviewer: Grace McKinney | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(4) 4-6 This book of advice, adapted from the author's 2013 Oxford University address, is presented as a conversational visit with the famous wizard Merlin. Summarizing life's experiences and mysteries in a few simple words, "Merlin" explores how gratitude, courage, knowledge, belief, wonder, generosity, hope, and love can help one create a meaningful existence. A purposive graduation gift for fans of Arthurian fantasy.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Feeroozeh Golmohammadi. Goodall shares her plea that all humans and animals are deserving of our respect and protection. Her vision for equity, kindness, and an end to environmental destruction is beautifully and strongly worded. The illustrations feature warm colors and strong brush strokes. The expressionistic style suits the prayer, but the format and content are more adult than childlike.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Essential Library of Social Change series. Beginning with a landmark case, this well-organized, thorough account explores the ideology, key figures, and events that helped to change laws and attitudes concerning animal welfare. Stock photographs combine with a dry text to present the history and future of the animal rights movement, while sidebars and a "Voices of the Movement" feature add context. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Sci-Hi: Science Issues series. This book examines the issues surrounding animal welfare, including how animals are treated in laboratory experiments, in the wild, or on farms. The authors provide thought-provoking questions related to animal testing, genetic technology, habitat destruction, and the value and need for zoos. Photographs and sidebars contain additional information but contribute to a busy design. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 In That's Why We Don't Eat Animals, Roth simply presented ethical, health-conscious, and environmental reasons to eliminate animal products from one's diet. Here she explores other aspects of (i.e., clothing, shopping, entertainment choices) and additional arguments for the vegan lifestyle. Though certainly well intentioned, the text tends toward the sentimental. The otherwise friendly illustrations include some of suffering animals that may--as intended--disturb some readers.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) YA In Controversy series. After providing background on the issue ("What Are the Origins of the Animal Experimentation Debate?"), the text examines questions surrounding medical testing, classroom use (e.g., dissection), and feasibility of alternative methods (in vitro testing, human studies, etc.) for advancing scientific research. Some of the photos aren't for the squeamish. Informative sidebars and summaries of facts ending each chapter complement the dense narrative. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 4-6 Animal rights advocate Laidlaw exposes backstage conditions of animals in entertainment, from live animal shows to circus acts and movies. The admittedly agenda-driven text's examples of neglect and abuse combine with photographs and sidebars to underscore the message that animal lovers have an obligation--and the ability--to create change; suggestions for action, FAQs, and an "Organizations to Contact" list provide tools. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Nishant Choksi. Law leads his readers to consider important philosophical ideas by working through challenging questions ranging from "What is the meaning of life?" and "Could a robot think?" to "Are we all selfish?" and "Are there really miracles?" The questions are intriguing, Law's answers are thoughtful, and Choksi's illustrations have a cool retro vibe. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA What Do You Think? series. This book explores topics related to human genetic research such as biodiversity, genetic mutations, and legal and medical implications; it also touches on genetic research regarding animals and agriculture. Though the text isn't nuanced, it effectively models balanced thinking for debaters. Numerous photographs, sidebars, and headings make the pages busy. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Essential Viewpoints series. This book explores animal rights through the perspectives of biologists, philosophers, legal scholars, hunters, scientists, and activists. Issues include animals as pets, research subjects, and food. The text, which attempts impartiality, is nonetheless skewed toward advocating animal protection. Though the writing is dry, it raises provocative questions and provides fodder for discussion. The many archival photographs and sidebars crowd some pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) YA What Do You Think? series. This book clarifies terms, quotes some research and opinions on both sides, suggests critical thinking and evaluation skills, and coaches readers in debate techniques. Though it's not nuanced or deep, the material reasonably introduces the subject of animal rights for beginning debaters. Photographs, charts, sidebars, and numerous headings clutter the pages. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Face the Facts series. Double-page spreads discuss different kinds of euthanasia, relevant terms (e.g., "suicide tourism"), medical and ethical arguments for and against euthanasia, and different cultures' attitudes toward it. Brief case studies enhance the even-handed text. Unfortunately, the book's layout overwhelms readers with a collision of text, sidebars, photos (some lost in the gutter), and brightly colored backdrops. Directory, reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Point-Counterpoint series. Geared toward high school debate students, this title examines both sides of several controversial issues related to animal rights including the use of animals in medical research, for food and clothing, and for entertainment purposes. Condensed chapters provide factual supporting information useful in formulating a convincing argument either pro or con. Reading list, source notes, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(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) 4-6 Employing a belabored hiking metaphor, Barron illustrates his philosophy of heroism by citing various young heroes from real life and myth. Some are predictable (Anne Frank, Helen Keller), but some are ordinary kids who faced physical challenges, saved someone's life, or collected money for those less fortunate. Despite occasionally cloying prose, the volume may serve to inspire some readers. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(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

(4) YA Focus on Science and Society series. In this somewhat superficial overview, Hayhurst presents both sides of the animal-testing debate in a balanced fashion, though the accompanying graphic photos of animals in distress may slant the argument. The text has a rushed quality; the color photographs lack clarity. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Issues in Focus series. Using examples from actual medical and legal cases, this overview explores issues such as transplantation, the rights of young patients, and euthanasia. The volume also addresses the need for decision-making ethics committees. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, the text provides a basic introduction to the topic, but doesn't delve very deeply into the reasons so many of these medical dilemmas are controversial. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Issues in Focus series. This book straightforwardly describes animal experimentation--its history, current practices, cases for and against it, and alternative measures, including experimentation on humans. Ethical issues on both sides of the debate unfold in a balanced presentation supported by up-to-date, authoritative sources. Black-and-white photographs accompany the thoughtful text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian