Reviews: In Controversy

How Serious a Problem Is Synthetic Drug Use?: ISBN 978-1-60152-884-1 / eBook: 978-1-60152-883-4
How Is Online Pornography Affecting Society?: ISBN 978-1-60152-882-7 / eBook: 978-1-60152-885-8
VOYA, February 1, 2017

These two additions to the In Controversy series address common issues confronting young people. There are more than 2.5 million pornography sites on the Internet. Internet pornography is accessible, affordable, and anonymous: it is available, sometimes with an accidental click of the mouse. The text discusses whether Internet porn is addictive; whether it is damaging to young people; how it affects relationships; and what society can do to curtail the negative effects of Internet pornography. Synthetic drugs are usually manufactured by drug dealers and most times, users have no idea what was used to make the drugs. The text covers the extent of synthetic drug abuse; what the risks are for using one; current laws against synthetic drug use and their effectiveness; and what can be done to combat abuse of the drugs.

In Controversy, a long-running series covering current, debatable issues, follows a tried-and-true format in each volume. Authors are careful not to bias readers with opinion, instead offering balanced information with cited sources. The books begin with an overview of the titular topic and then provide historical context. Each chapter uses a question about a particular aspect of the issue as a title. The language used is neither threatening nor dull which makes the books appealing for young readers. The pictures and fact boxes break up the text and create visually-appealing pages. There are helpful resources listed in the back of the texts. These titles should be purchased by those libraries with a current In Controversy collection, or those who wish to build their young adult nonfiction collections.
—Kimberly Barbour.

Gr 7 Up This long-running, well-researched series continues to tackle timely and relevant subjects. While these are potentially sensational topics, the writing is, as always, matter-of-fact and the perspective balanced. Chapter headings are phrased in the form of questions (“What Are the Dangers of Synthetic Drug Use?”), and occasional photos, sidebars, and pull-out quotes add to the appeal. Robust choices for those seeking options for current events units or materials to spark debate.

How Are Digital Devices Impacting Society?: ISBN 978-1-60152-772-1 / eBook: 978-1-60152-773-8
Is Legalized Marijuana good for Society?: ISBN 978-1-60152-774-5 / eBook: 978-1-60152-775-2
Is Enough Being Done to Protect Athletes from Concussions?: ISBN 978-1-60152-754-7 / eBook: 978-1-60152-755-4
Booklist, July 1, 2015

These new books in the In Controversy series provide comprehensive overviews for teens on debatable social issues of today. The text, which carefully avoids the passion these issues often raise, can be a bit dry. Still, the books are informative, clearly written, and well referenced. Each book covers its topic in impressive breadth. How Are Digital Devices Impacting Society? covers the context of digital and earlier technologies; privacy and social concerns raised by smartphones and Internet use; effects on brain development, learning, obesity, and mental illness; and criminal uses such as hacking, terrorism, and bullying. Is Enough Being Done to Protect Athletes from Concussions? deals with the mechanics and medical dangers of concussions, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy; how professional sports such as football, hockey, soccer, and boxing have addressed the issue; how to protect younger athletes from brain injury; and who is responsible for preventing damage from concussions. Is Legalized Marijuana Good for Society? provides historical background on Prohibition, racial bias, and the War on Drugs, as well as research on medical applications of marijuana, the risks and dangers it may pose to society, and the conflict between state and federal laws on the topic. Overall, these books will be excellent research sources for students preparing for debates, essays, or other projects.

Gr 7 Up– More thought-provoking additions to this long-running, well-received series. As with previous books, the authors are careful not to sway readers in either direction, instead offering a well-balanced treatment and citing sources for statements. Chapter headings take the form of questions, and each chapter concludes with a list of facts, encouraging students to form their own opinions. Strong options for research purposes.

How Serious a Problem Is Cyber-bullying?: ISBN 978-1-60152-618-2 / eBook: 978-1-60152-619-9
Is Online Addiction a Serious Problem?: ISBN 978-1-60152-620-5 / eBook: 978-1-60152-621-2
How Does Violent Media Affect Youth?: ISBN 978-1-60152-616-8 / eBook: 978-1-60152-617-5
VOYA Magazine, June 2014

Patricia D. Netzley's definitive How Serious a Problem Is Cyber-bullying? adheres to a sensible outline. Chapters advance from real cases to retaliation by victims and tracking of cyber-victimizers by police. Sidebars featuring one-line summations by a young adult author, a blogger, and President Barack Obama lend strength to the book’s condemnation of hate crimes and endorsement of zero tolerance zones.

Netzsky's text for Is Online Addiction a Serious Problem? presents subtopics, for example "mood changes" and "addictive personalities," as starting points for gauging dangers from overexposure to the Internet. Subject development isolates the fallacies in Facebook formatting that heighten envy and self-defeat; the author implies that young followers of social media should cultivate skepticism as to the purpose and value of regular posting. Chapter five proposes methods for treating individual imbalance, particularly sleep deprivation and school drop-outs.

A pivotal addition to the In Controversy series, Szumski and Karson’s text [How Does Violent Media Affect Youth?] renders an exasperating indecision on the consequences of too much violent fantasy on behavior. The authors survey an apples-and-oranges mix of themes—suicide, sexuality, firearms, justifiable violence—in a broad span of media, from television news to rap music and American and Japanese video games. Persistent second-guessing of v-chips and cinema ratings lapses into a limp conclusion that children should learn critical thinking.
—Mary Ellen Snodgrass

How Does Video Game Violence Affect Society? ISBN 978-1-60152-490-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-491-1
Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legal? ISBN 978-1-60152-498-0 eBook: 978-1-60152-499-7
Should Vaccinations for Youth Be Mandatory? ISBN 978-1-60152-500-0 eBook: 978-1-60152-501-7
Booklist, September 1, 2013

The title of each book of the In Controversy series asks a question, reflecting its attempt to provide a vigorous discussion of the pros and cons. It's a little fairer in its coverage than some discussion books, which try to match every point tit-for-tat—these allow room for different viewpoints without pretending each view is equally substantial. The chapters investigate a genuine question about each topic, such as "How Do Same-Sex Households Affect Children?" and "Are Vaccines Safe?" How Does Video Game Violence Affect Society?—a somewhat unaddressed topic in teen nonfiction—gives graphic descriptions of the violence, racism, and other negatives in some video games and discusses what the impact of these are upon both individuals and society at large. Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legal? is up-to-date as of June 2012 and gets into the thorny topics of religion, child rearing, and constitutional rights. Should Vaccinations for Youth Be Mandatory? discusses why some people fear vaccines and how their personal choices affect society as a whole when diseases are able to spread. Each chapter is followed by a box of quick facts, and each volume includes good source notes. These make for ideal starting points for student researchers, and the interesting material with lots of quotes makes these useful for leisure reading, too.

How Does Cell Phone Use Impact Teenagers ISBN 978-1-60152-446-1 eBook: 978-1-60152-447-8
How Should Sex Education Be Taught in School? ISBN 978-1-60152-452-2 eBook: 978-1-60152-453-9
Is Medical Marijuana Necessary? ISBN 978-1-60152-458-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-459-1
Is Social Networking Beneficial to Society? ISBN 978-1-60152-240-7 eBook: 978-1-60152-461-4
Booklist, March 1, 2013

The In Controversy series continues to be a boon both to teens on a tight research time line or those who may be intimidated by longer books on controversial topics. Each book explores one aspect of a debate; for instance, instead of discussing marijuana in general, the series entry focuses on medical marijuana. How Does Cell Phone Use Impact Teenagers? discusses the physical and emotional risks associated with teen cell-phone use, including sexting, bullying, and dangerous driving. How Should Sex Education Be Taught in Schools? includes a chapter on homosexuality but focuses much more on the need for teaching how to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Is Medical Marijuana Necessary? is less teen-centered than most of the titles, since most of the medical problems marijuana helps with arise later in life, but teens seeking information will find this fair and enlightening. The topics of Facebook, Twitter, and texting are thoroughly covered elsewhere, but Is Social Networking Beneficial to Society? focuses nicely on the ways this technology is changing not only individuals but also society. The authors use a calm, measured tone and include plenty of quotes from authorities to provide balance. Meanwhile, photographs and boxed quotes in the margins add to the appeal, making the substantial information approachable.
—Susan Dove Lempke

Also recommended from this series:

How Serious a Problem Is Drug Use in Sports?
How Serious a Threat Are Online Predators?
Identity Theft
Is Human Embryo Experimentation Ethical?

Are Cell Phones Dangerous? ISBN 978-1-60152-232-0 eBook: 978-1-60152-233-7
Should Juveniles Be Tried as Adults? ISBN 978-1-60152-230-6 eBook: 978-1-60152-231-3
Booklist, October 15, 2012

Using guided questions and weighing multiple sides of the issue, these In Controversy titles tackle topics relevant to teens. Are Cell Phones Dangerous? begins with a brief history of this now ubiquitous technology and then analyzes the risks of cell phone usage in three main areas. It draws on numerous studies to report suspected links to cancer, a decline in male fertility, and other health-related problems as well as accidents and deaths related to texting while driving. The authors also look a such negative impacts on youth culture as addiction, bullying, and sexting. Should Juveniles Be Tried as Adults? begins with early examples of youths tried as adults and the roots of juvenile justice. Citing experts in law enforcement and psychology, the text examines teens' responsibility for crimes as their brains are still evolving and subjected to peer pressure. It also considers whether juvenile offenders can be rehabilitated and identifies alternative programs that achieve some success in reducing recidivism. Both timely titles feature color photographs, fact boxes, lists of related organizations and websites, a bibliography, and source notes and will serve as useful debate starters.

How Serious a Threat Is Climate Change? ISBN 978-1-60152-142-2 / eBook: 978-1-60152-353-2
Is Offshore Drilling Worth the Risks? ISBN 978-1-60152-143-9 / eBook: 978-1-60152-354-9
School Library Journal, September 1, 2011

Gr 7 and up These titles open with a current event—the disappearance of an Alaskan Inupiat village due to melting ice and the Deepwater Horizon disaster—that grabs readers' attention and serves to introduce the volume's subject. Each of the five chapters poses a question. The books have similar organization with the first chapter tracing the origins and controversy of the issue. Other chapters outline specific topics such as, "How Reliable Is the Science of Climate Change?" and "Is America's Energy Security Dependent on Offshore Oil?" Common chapter subjects are economic benefits or impacts as well as environmental costs and political implications. Both sides of the issue and contrasting opinions are presented. Each chapter includes a few full-color photos, numerous sidebars that offer quotes from scientists and politicians, and a list of key facts. A former newspaper reporter and columnists, the author presents substantial amounts of information in a readable, student-friendly manner. Useful for reports.

How Serious a Threat Is Climate Change? ISBN 978-1-60152-142-2 eBook: 978-1-60152-353-2
Is Offshore Drilling Worth the Risks? ISBN 978-1-60152-143-9 eBook: 978-1-60152-354-9
Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered? ISBN 978-1-60152-144-6 eBook: 978-1-60152-355-6
School Library Journal, May 2011

The In Controversy series presents varied points of view on well-defined, timely topics. Typically, the introduction of each book personalizes the dilemma, the opening chapter looks at the origins and history of the controversy, and the remainder of the book explores the questions raised within the topic. In Climate Change, Marcovitz considers the reliability of scientific research on the subject, the potential economic and environmental impacts of global warming, and the responses of world governments. Offshore Oil Drilling discusses America's dependence on offshore oil for energy security, environmental damage (looking particularly at the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill), economic benefits, and how drilling might be made safer. Drinking Age looks at whether teens are mature enough to drink responsibly, whether changing the drinking age affects binge drinking, and whether European cultures offer useful models for responsible teen drinking. Clearly written and presenting plenty of relevant information, the books offer opposing points of view in a fairly evenhanded way. Clean page design makes the text look more accessible through wide margins as well as the use of color in design elements and photos. Each volume concludes with an annotated list of relevant organizations, a bibliography, and source notes for the quotes in each chapter. Good resources for research projects.

Is the World Prepared for a Deadly Influenza Pandemic? ISBN 978-1-60152-127-9 / eBook: 978-1-60152-199-6
How Dangerous are Performance-Enhancing Drugs? ISBN 978-1-60152-126-2 eBook: 978-1-60152-198-9
School Library Journal, November 1, 2011

Gr 8 Up The authors take a controversy and examine it with a particular question in mind, thus making the material accessible for students. Both titles give an in-depth history of the topic. Chapters end with a summarization of the salient facts, text boxes highlight interesting information, and the sections covering related organizations, websites, and source notes are exhaustive. Students are sure to find reading about performance-enhancing drugs particularly interesting as many sports legends are quoted and give their opinions. These books are worthwhile additions for any libraries needing current information for reports, debate, or general interest.

Should Marijuana Be Legalized? ISBN 978-1-60152-106-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-200-9
Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuels? ISBN 978-1-60152-113-2 eBook: 978-1-60152-197-2
School Library Journal, November 2010

In these overviews, each of five chapters is presented in the form of a question. In the introduction to Marijuana, Barbour covers the divided opinions and conflicting values pertaining to the debate. Chapters include "How Should Marijuana Laws Be Reformed?" "How Would Legalization Affect the Economy," and "Does Medical Need Justify Legalization?" In Renewable Energy, headings focus on "What Are the Origins of the Controversy Over Fossil Fuels?" "How Affordable Is Renewable Energy?" and "What Policies Should Guide Renewable Energy's Future?" The content in both titles is presented in a readable format and the layout of the texts is inviting, featuring a lot of white space and annotated, color photographs on most spreads. Boxed areas highlight subjects. In addition, images of pushpin notes appear on many of the pages, featuring an applicable quote that is cited. These titles would be useful in helping students to learn about and evaluate complex issues.

How Dangerous are Performance-Enhancing Drugs? ISBN 978-1-60152-126-2 eBook: 978-1-60152-198-9
Booklist, October 15, 2010

The In Controversy series presents divisive topics in a manner accessible to older students. Each volume offers an overview of the subject as well as personal anecdotes that represent varied ideas and experiences. The first chapter traces the history of the issue, while the remaining chapters explore questions surrounding it and how they might be addressed by people with different viewpoints. How Dangerous Are Performance-Enhancing Drugs? considers the effects of drug use on the integrity of sports as well as on athletes' achievements and health. Page designs are attractive, with colorful elements such as headings, photos, sidebars, and diagrams breaking up the blocks of text, but the reading level, particularly in the volumes on energy, pandemics, and marijuana, will be challenging for many high-school students. Each book concludes with a bibliography, source notes, and annotated lists of related organizations.
—Carolyn Phelan

Is the World Prepared for a Deadly Influenza Pandemic? ISBN 978-1-60152-127-9 / eBook: 978-1-60152-199-6
Booklist, October 15, 2010

The In Controversy series presents divisive topics in a manner accessible to older students. Each volume offers an overview of the subject as well as personal anecdotes that represent varied ideas and experiences. The first chapter traces the history of the issue, while the remaining chapters explore questions surrounding it and how they might be addressed by people with different viewpoints. In Is the World Prepared for a Deadly Influenza Pandemic? the lessons of past pandemics are brought to bear on current realities, from lapses in international cooperation to differing views on mandatory vaccination. Page designs are attractive, with colorful elements such as headings, photos, sidebars, and diagrams breaking up the blocks of text, but the reading level, particularly in the volumes on energy, pandemics, and marijuana, will be challenging for many high-school students. Each book concludes with a bibliography, source notes, and annotated lists of related organizations.
—Carolyn Phelan

Should Marijuana Be Legalized? ISBN 978-1-60152-106-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-200-9
Booklist, October 15, 2010

The In Controversy series presents divisive topics in a manner accessible to older students. Each volume offers an overview of the subject as well as personal anecdotes that represent varied ideas and experiences. The first chapter traces the history of the issue, while the remaining chapters explore questions surrounding it and how they might be addressed by people with different viewpoints. Should Marijuana Be Legalized? discusses medical, judicial, economic, and social concerns that come to light in the debate over legalizing marijuana. Page designs are attractive, with colorful elements such as headings, photos, sidebars, and diagrams breaking up the blocks of text, but the reading level, particularly in the volumes on energy, pandemics, and marijuana, will be challenging for many high-school students. Each book concludes with a bibliography, source notes, and annotated lists of related organizations.
—Carolyn Phelan

Does Illegal Immigration Harm Society?: ISBN 978-1-60152-085-2 / eBook: 978-1-60152-409-6
Is Stem Cell Research Necessary?: ISBN 978-1-60152-088-3 / eBook: 978-1-60152-412-6
Childhood Obesity: ISBN 978-1-60152-083-8 / eBook: 978-1-60152-407-2
How Should the World Respond to Global Warming? ISBN 978-1-60152-086-9 / eBook: 978-1-60152-410-2
Does the Death Penalty Deter Crime?: ISBN 978-1-60152-084-5 / eBook: 978-1-60152-408-9
Library Media Connection, January 1, 2010

The titles in this series cover hot topics that begin with history and background of the controversy, present viewpoints on both sides of the issue, and conclude with an annotated list of organizations to consult, source notes, and index. A glossary in the science-related topics would have been helpful. Excellent graphic organization includes vibrant color photographs, quotations on “sticky notes,” concise viewpoints in sidebars, and quick facts at the end of each chapter. One drawback is that pro and con viewpoints are intermingled within the text, not segmented like the Opposing Viewpoints series (Gale). The use of opinion polls in the fact boxes provides a teachable moment of what is fact and what is opinion. While the text of the book is heavily sourced, studies and the fact boxes are not. However, most of them can be found easily by using keyword searching on the Internet. The cited sources are very recent, most from 2007 to 2009.

Is Stem Cell Research Necessary?: ISBN 978-1-60152-088-3 / eBook: 978-1-60152-412-6
How Should the World Respond to Global Warming? ISBN 978-1-60152-086-9 / eBook: 978-1-60152-410-2
VOYA, December 1, 2009

Each of the five books in this new series addresses a complicated, controversial issue by delving into one aspect rather than trying to tackle every angle. The books begin with an overview of the topic, followed by a history of the controversy. Is Stem Cell Research Necessary? concentrates on the possible benefits, moral concerns, effective alternatives (could adult stem cells be more effective than embryonic?), the situation in other countries (is the United States now irretrievably behind?), and the political issues surrounding government support. A slight bias toward pursuing stem cell research with federal government support is evident, but opposing viewpoints are granted equal coverage. Sources are as recent as April 2009 and include the import of Barack Obama’s change of policy allowing federally funded stem cell research. How Should the World Respond to Global Warming? creates great urgency in the introductory sections that propel the reader into chapters offering possible solutions to the problem. Those chapters describe how developing nations should respond, how developed nations should respond, how business and industry should respond, and recommended lifestyle changes for the average citizen of a developed nation. Especially interesting are the difficulties finding alternative fuel sources that do not harm the environment themselves and fairness issues around developing nations that are being asked to curtail emissions after years of watching developed countries create the current situation. Teenagers will be particularly interested in ways to reduce their individual carbon footprints. Unfortunately sidebars are not always placed effectively, more photographs could have been included (after creating considerable interest in the Aptera car, there should be a visual of the prototype), and the most recent source note is from 2008. This series is above average in using appealing text, clear source notes, and frequent quotations from the experts. “Facts” boxes at the end of each chapter give sometimes additional, sometimes repetitive statistics. A Related Organizations appendix is excellent, including annotations for each organization and its Web site.
—Angela Carstensen.

Gr 9 Up An excellent series, providing unbiased information on a range of controversial topics. Each volume provides a rigorous investigation of its topic, with chapter titles structured as questions to encourage students to think about the issues. For example, chapters in Illegal Immigration include “Does Illegal Immigration Harm the American Economy?” and “Does Illegal Immigration Lead to Increased Crime and Terrorism?” Each volume is attractively designed, allowing plenty of white space to contrast with the color photos, reproductions, charts and graphs, maps, and sidebars. Quotes are well-cited, and the writing is consistently high. For in-depth research into a topic, these are first-rate resources.

Does Illegal Immigration Harm Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-085-2 eBook: 978-1-60152-409-6
Booklist, October 1, 2009

Gr 7 Up This title in the In Controversy series examines the vexing issue of illegal immigration. Barbour starts with context—an overview of nineteenth and early-twentieth-century legislative attempts at regulating immigration—and then examines a clutch of contentious issues surrounding the current impact of illegal immigration upon America’s economy, culture, crime, and national security. His strategy is to offer the sometimes inflated, sometimes reasonable views of advocates from both sides of the issue(s). The result is generally balanced, though his coverage of crime and terrorism does seem skewed in the conservative direction (could it be the quote Barbour includes from the magazine New American without informing readers it’s published by The John Birch Society?). One also wonders why, of the five Web sites listed in the appended “For Further Research” section, three are conservative and two libertarian. To be fair, the unbiased Pew Hispanic Center is often cited and readers are also referred to such immigration-friendly sources as La Raza and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Yes, a controversial issue—and perhaps a controversial book?
—Michael Cart

In Controversy Reviews