Cell Phone Addiction: ISBN 978-1-68282-665-2 / eBook: 978-1-68282-666-9
Childhood Trauma: ISBN 978-1-68282-667-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-668-3
Gun Violence: ISBN 978-1-68282-669-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-670-6
Lead Contamination: ISBN 978-1-68282-671-3 / eBook: 978-1-68282-672-0
The Opioid Crisis: ISBN 978-1-68282-673-7 / eBook: 978-1-68282-674-4
School Library Connection, January/February 2020
The five books in this series highlight and discuss current public health issues. Each title begins with an introduction of the issue followed by a story about how this particular crisis has affected a community. For example, in Gun Violence, the number of people killed and wounded on May 18, 2018 is detailed. Each title gives a history of how each issue has developed into a public health crisis, with additional anecdotal examples and first person accounts of events pertaining to the subject given. The text is supported with illustrations, captioned color photographs, and text boxes. Source Notes for each chapter, Organizations and Websites, and For Further Research sections are included, as well as Photo Credits. Each title will be a good starting point for students researching these topics, and the Source Notes will be useful for students who are looking for additional material on each subject. This series is a thorough examination of issues affecting all walks of society. Index.
Tracy A. Fitzwater, Teacher-Librarian (Retired), Port Angeles, Washington
Recommended
Cell Phone Addiction: ISBN 978-1-68282-665-2 / eBook: 978-1-68282-666-9
Childhood Trauma: ISBN 978-1-68282-667-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-668-3
Gun Violence: ISBN 978-1-68282-669-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-670-6
Lead Contamination: ISBN 978-1-68282-671-3 / eBook: 978-1-68282-672-0
The Opioid Crisis: ISBN 978-1-68282-673-7 / eBook: 978-1-68282-674-4
School Library Journal, November 1, 2019
Engrossing volumes open with sobering introductions, usually real-life experiences. Narratives are well written, concise, and intelligent; topic coverage is well reasoned and comprehensive. All titles recount numerous victims’ tragic case histories and, occasionally, legal battles, taken from news reports, making issues more compelling and personal. The volumes make convincing arguments that these topics represent major health crises, are more urgent than imagined, and must be grappled with now. By presenting causes and multifaceted solutions, the series achieves its goals of not only raising awareness and social consciousness but also arousing feelings of activism. Graphics, including statistical charts and diagrams, are excellent; some photos are heartbreaking, some frightening. Sidebars feature research studies, personal anecdotes, or additional commentary. VERDICT A fine, clearly argued, thought-provoking series. Written with respect for readers’ intelligence and recommended for serious, socially minded students in public and school libraries.