300s: The Big Questions: Series Nonfiction on Current Issues
Reviewed by Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD -- School Library Journal, 4/1/2009
As science advances, its intersection with humanity takes on ever-greater importance. These series provide the information needed to understand new technological advances while offering a context for how science impacts society’s traditions and beliefs. The wide range of discoveries and challenges discussed will be a boon to students.
BICKERSTAFF, Linda. Technology and Infertility: Assisted Reproduction and Modern Society. illus. ISBN 978-1-4358-5024-8. LC 2008013569.
FREEDMAN, Jeri. Genetically Modified Food: How Biotechnology is Changing What We Eat. illus. ISBN 978-1-4358-5025-5. LC 2008013419.
HARMON, Daniel E. Chemical and Biological Weapons: Agents of War and Terror. ISBN 978-1-4358-5023-1. LC 2008013417.
––––. New Medicines: Issues of Approval, Access, and Product Safety. diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-4358-5026-2. LC 2008013696.
SMITH, Terry L. Modern Genetic Science: New Technology, New Decisions. diag. illus. ISBN 978-1-4358-5027-9. LC 2008013418.
WATSON, Stephanie. Animal Testing: Issues and Ethics. ISBN 978-1-4358-5022-4. LC 2008013415.
ea vol: 64p. (Science and Society Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen. 2009. PLB $29.25.
Gr 5-8–A well-organized, inviting series. Short chapters introduce the science, present various subtopics, and discuss social aspects. Technology and Infertility, for example, includes chapters such as “Reproductive Biology,” “Treating Infertility,” and “New Techniques: Moral and Ethical Issues.” The breadth of topics is impressive, and is matched by the quality of the writing. Scientific material is explained well for this age group, providing examples and definitions as appropriate. Each book features excellent photos and other visuals that illuminate the discussion. The publisher’s Web site for each book allows for future updating of recommended Web resources. Extensive back matter in each book includes lists of organizations to contact for further information and bibliographies of up to dozens of Web sites.
IS IT HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?: GLOBAL WARMING HEATS UP. ISBN 978-0-531-21805-1; ISBN 978-0-531-22001-6. LC 2008038548.
POPULATION 1.3 BILLION: CHINA BECOMES A SUPER SUPERPOWER. ISBN 978-0-531-21806-8; ISBN 978-0-531-22002-3. LC 2008029027.
THE WAR IN IRAQ: FROM THE FRONT LINE TO THE HOME FRONT. charts. ISBN 978-0-531-21807-5; ISBN 978-0-531-22003-0. LC 2008028082.
ea vol: 64p. (24/7: Behind the Headlines: Special Edition Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Watts. 2009. PLB $26; pap. $7.95.
Gr 5-8–These books are compilations of articles from various Scholastic magazines, including Junior Scholastic and New York Times Upfront. The layout is consistent across the books, and the quality of the writing is high. Controversial issues are dealt with in an evenhanded manner, focusing on the facts while allowing for different perspectives and interpretations. Color backgrounds and photographs are well-used, as are sidebars and other access points. Unfortunately, some articles in Population come from the mid-1980s and 1990s, and there is no suggestion that readers confirm facts.
“Science and Society” is the best of these series, providing all-new content on a variety of topics of interest to teens. Well-designed and researched, it’s bound to be a pleasant surprise for those looking for report resources. “24/7 Behind the Headlines: Special Edition” also provides solid information for the same age group, but some of the articles are out of date.
Tough Topics: Series Nonfiction on Global Issues (Fall 2008)
