Thomson-Gale.

Thomson-Gale

274500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535

www.gale.com

Thompson/Gale has a number of imprints readers in grades 6-9 will find important, and these are some of the historical overviews particularly recommended from their latest achievements. Robert H. Mayer edits The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 (0737723041), part of the 'Opposing Viewpoints' history series covering controversial historical events through reading a selection of primary materials on both sides. Debates about education, fair employment and more provide arguments on each side of civil rights issues from the 1960s. Donald Murphy's America's Entry Into World War I (0737717912) covers the debates and controversy surrounding American involvement in the first world war. Chapters discuss American neutrality concerns, arguments for and against the decision for war, and all the discussions surrounding American participation overseas. Dianne Zarlengo's Living In The Middle Ages (0737720921) joins others in the 'Exploring Cultural History' series, providing an important overview of cultural highlights on the Middle Ages. Domestic life, community and work, and everyday issues are revealed. James Barter's Life In A Medieval Village (1590182669, $27.5) joins 'The Way People Live' series in providing a focus on Medieval daily life, from the village marketplace's importance to marriage and family life. Collections typically don't have much on the Korean War, so Michael J. Martin's Life As A POW (159018260X, $27.45) is a particularly important addition to Korean wartime history, considering the experiences of military men in the war and their struggle to stay alive in inhumane conditions. Barter's A Medieval Monk (1590184785, $27.45) joins 'The Working Life' series in showing how Medieval people worked. From the daily practice of running a monastery to scholars, teachers, farmers and traveling monks, Barter's book displays a monk's life as more than isolation and devotion. Kids at the middle to high school levels studying social issues would do no better than to consult the 'Opposing Viewpoints' series: using source materals as a foundation and a pro/con format lending to understanding both sides, this series holds continued and ongoing meaning for all ages. Terrorism (0737722460) outlines common misperceptions of what makes terrorism, presents contrasting arguments over courses of action which will make America a safer place, and is packed with articles covering all sides of the issue. Civil Liberties (0737716754) considers the very documents and foundations of democracy, analyzing issues involving the separation of church and state, faith-based charities, and first amendment rights. The War On Drugs (0737722843) analyzes the basics of the 'war', from links between drugs and terrorism to which policies do and don't work in the war on drugs, from courts and mandatory sentences to education programs.