Opposing Viewpoints Series. Epidemics.

OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS SERIES. Epidemics. Williams, Mary E., ed. 208p. 0-7377-2283-5. War. Gerdes, Louise I., ed. 240p. 0-7377-2592-3. Greenhaven. illus. bibliog. index. c2005. $23.70 each. JSA 

Like the other Greenhaven series, this seeks to promote critical thinking by presenting a broad range of viewpoints on current issues. In Epidemics, articles by political scientists, doctors, journalists, and government officials address whether infectious diseases pose a significant threat to humanity, with reference to bioterrorism, natural epidemics, SARS, and AIDS; what can be done to curtail the AIDS epidemic; whether vaccines are harmful; and how food-borne illnesses can be prevented. In War, authors ranging from law professors to activists to government advisors and Human Rights Watch discuss the causes of war, when war is justified, how war should be conducted, and how it can be prevented.

An introduction gives some background on the issues in each book, as do chapter prefaces, and each selection is introduced with a summary and questions to consider. An additional list of questions "for further discussion" can be found at the end of each book, along with an annotated list of organizations to contact. The summaries and questions help make these books accessible to younger students, but older ones will also appreciate the diversity of opinion offered in these titles. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advance students and adults. This code will help librarians and teacher working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.