Current Events & Contemporary Issues

ANDRYSZEWSKI, Tricia. Same-Sex Marriage: Moral Wrong or Civil Right? 144p. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2008. PLB $38.60. ISBN 978-0-8225-7176-6. LC 2007010397.

Gr 9 Up–Beginning with a history of the gay rights movement in the United States, the author deftly analyzes recent advances and setbacks in the changing definition of marriage and the opposition to same-sex unions. Attractively designed with glossy photos, informational sidebars, and a colorful layout, this volume also includes a time line; a glossary; and an extensive list of books, Web sites, and organizations to contact for further insight and information. B

DAVENPORT, John C., ed. Democracy in the Middle East. 224p. (The World in Focus Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2007. PLB $35. ISBN 978-0-7910-9194-4. LC 2007004197.

Gr 10 Up–The controversy over promoting democracy in societies that have a history of sectarian violence, inequity, and repression is outlined in a series of reprinted articles by foreign policy experts and journalists. Timely subtopics such as Islamic treatment of women, primacy of sovereignty in Israel, and Muslim universal rule of law will foster critical thinking and debate. For advanced students. B

DAVENPORT, John C., ed. Global Extremism and Terrorism. 222p. (The World in Focus Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2007. PLB $35. ISBN 978-0-7910-9279-8. LC 2007004212.

Gr 10 Up–This assemblage of book excerpts and articles from journals such as Current History and Foreign Affairs looks at historical and modern waves of terror across the globe and delves into topics such as weapons, cyberterrorism, and America’s sphere of influence. The volume’s retrospective scope will keep it from dating too quickly. B

FISANICK, Christina, ed. Feminism. 264p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). charts. maps. bibliog. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2007. PLB $36.20. ISBN 978-0-7377-3769-1; pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-0-7377-3770-7. LC 2007029714.

Gr 10 Up–Each of four chapters offers a collection of essays that examines aspects of feminism from differing perspectives. The first considers the relevance of the topic here and in the Arab world, while the others discuss its impact on women’s sexuality, employment, and domestic roles. B

LANGWITH, Jacqueline, ed. Discrimination. 247p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). bibliog. index. charts. notes. Web sites. Gale/Greenhaven. PLB $36.20. 2007. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-0-7377-3739-4; ISBN 978-0-7377-3740-0. LC 2007933224.

Gr 7 Up–Race- or faith-based profiling, college admission quotas, and gender-specific treatment are a few of the hot-button topics debated by former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and others, including April Kelly-Woessner, who shares her experiences as a working woman in the job market. The well-outlined essays guide students with focus questions. B

LANGWITH, Jacqueline, ed. Human Rights. 259p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). bibliog. index. notes. reprods. Web sites. Gale/Greenhaven. CIP. PLB $36.20. 2008. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-0-7377-3745-5; ISBN 978-0-7377-3746-2. LC 2007029035.

Gr 7 Up–The notion that all people share the same values is at the heart of the debate about human rights. Twenty-two contributors, many of them non-Western, weigh in on topics such as the use of torture, the role of the United Nations, and the promotion of a universal standard of accountability. Extras include contact organizations, sidebars, and a bibliography. B

LANSFORD, Tom, ed. The Presidential Election Process. 216p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). charts. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2007. PLB $34.95. ISBN 978-0-7377-3892-6; pap. $23.70. ISBN 978-0-7377-3893-3. LC 2007035066.

Gr 9 Up–An election year is a prime teaching opportunity, and this up-to-date volume gathers pertinent articles from a wide variety of sources—reputable journals, Web sites, and newsletters. The selections offer a range of opinion on such topics as primaries and national party conventions, campaign spending, media influence on campaigns, and the electoral college. Questions for discussion, bibliographies of books and periodicals, and a list of organizations to contact round out this useful volume, while political cartoons and boxed quotes add visual interest. B

STRATTON, Allan. Chanda’s Wars. 400p. HarperTeen. 2008. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-087262-5; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-087264-9. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–In this stunning sequel to Stratton’s award-winning Chanda’s Secrets (Annick, 2004), which dealt with the AIDS crisis, the author takes readers into another aspect of life in war-torn regions of Africa—the conscription of child soldiers. Teenaged Chanda guides her younger brother and sister to her mother’s ancestral village, but war in a nearby country crosses the border, engulfing everyone in its path. This compelling novel gives face and voice to the stories behind the news reports. B

YOUNT,Lisa. Animal Rights. rev. ed. 332p. (Library in a Book Series). chron. bibliog. glossary. Web sites. Facts On File. 2008. Tr $45. ISBN 978-0-8160-7130-2. LC 2007027687.

Gr 9 Up–Clearly written and well organized, this resource provides a wealth of information about the animal rights movement, including the issues of experimentation, factory farms, laboratory conditions, hunting, and the use of animals in entertainment. Recent court cases and an overview of future debates on the topic represent some of the updated material in this edition. An extensive annotated bibliography of books, articles, and Web documents; a chronology of events; a list of activists; a glossary; related agencies and organizations; and a guide to researching the subject are included. B

Encounter Point. DVD. 85 min. with tchr’s. guide. Prod. by Justvision. Dist. by Typecast Films (typecastfilms.com). 2007. $350.

Gr 9 Up–Profiles of eight social activists working toward peace between Israel and Palestine through nonviolence tell of a collaborative reconciliation effort involving thousands of people from both sides of the conflict. It is an inspiring look at how a network of individuals—from grieving mothers and political prisoners to veterans of war and high school students—are trying to make a difference. D

Facing Sudan. DVD. 90 min. with tchr’s. guide. Bell, Book & Camera Prods. (bellbookcamera.com). 2007, 2008 release. $24.95.

Gr 9 Up–Twenty years of fighting in Sudan have left millions dead and displaced. This powerful documentary provides historical context and a striking contemporary description of the political, social, medical, and military upheaval in that nation. A segment on the Lost Boys of Sudan is particularly affecting. Scene selection options, English subtitles, and lesson plan suggestions facilitate classroom use, but be warned: there are several graphic images and explicit descriptions. D

Frontrunner: The Afghan Woman Who Surprised the World. DVD. 90 min. Cinema Guild (cinemaguild.com). 2007, 2008 release. ISBN 0-7815-1249-2. $99.95 (Rental: $65).

Gr 9 Up–In 2004, Dr. Massouda Jalal became the first woman to run for President of Afghanistan, challenging the commonly held conception of the role of Muslim women in that society. This moving documentary follows Jalal as she campaigns. The behind-the-scenes political meetings and interactions with citizens are particularly interesting. As highlighted in the program, Jalal’s greatest contribution during the campaign was to embolden hundreds of women to later run for parliament. D

Independent Intervention: Breaking Silence. DVD. 75 min. Prod. by Ground Prods. Dist. by Bullfrog Films (bullfrogfilms.com). 2006, 2007 release. ISBN 1-59458-627-6. $275 (Rental: $95).

Gr 10 Up–The producers of this intriguing documentary hypothesize that the federal government, as well as moneyed private enterprise, pressure news organizations to misrepresent the situation in Iraq. Believing that the reality of the war can only be accurately covered by independent news reporters, they rely soley on their commentary. Supporting information is provided by journalism professors and others. While the tone of the presentation is antiwar, it poses an important question: To what degree does mass media attempt to shape public opinion? D

North Korea: A Legacy of Tension (ABC News Classroom Series). DVD. 21 min. (closed captioned). with tchr’s. guide. Prod. by ABC News. Dist. by Disney Educational Prods. (go.disney.com). 2007. ISBN 1-59753-160-X. $49.95.

Gr 7 Up–In 2005, an ABC News crew was the first American network allowed into North Korea. While the escorted reporters did not have opportunities for candid conversations with citizens, they came away with a fascinating portrayal of a nation. Some segments cover history, geography, and civics, with accompanying discussion questions. Additional portions of the film provide interviews with Korean children, focus on the 50th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War, and follow a group of American veterans returning to the country. D