Teenage Dropouts

Mooney defines teen violence, discusses its causes and influences and addresses ways to prevent it. Stewart focuses on increasing dropout rates throughout the country and what can be done to stem this alarming trend. The chapters in both texts are succinct and easy to understand. They are packed with statistics, primary-source quotes, and colorful charts and graphs to help readers understand the severity of the problems addressed. The topics are presented in a nonthreatening format and, despite the books’ slim size, contain a plethora of information on the topics at hand. These volumes are prime starting points for research or class discussion. The almost-conversational tone makes them palatable for general readers and the content is well organized to include further information for interested students and teachers about advocacy groups, websites for further research, and related organizations. Great choices for both middle and high school libraries.

Gr 7 Up–Mooney defines teen violence, discusses its causes and influences and addresses ways to prevent it. Stewart focuses on increasing dropout rates throughout the country and what can be done to stem this alarming trend. The chapters in both texts are succinct and easy to understand. They are packed with statistics, primary-source quotes, and colorful charts and graphs to help readers understand the severity of the problems addressed. The topics are presented in a nonthreatening format and, despite the books’ slim size, contain a plethora of information on the topics at hand. These volumes are prime starting points for research or class discussion. The almost-conversational tone makes them palatable for general readers and the content is well organized to include further information for interested students and teachers about advocacy groups, websites for further research, and related organizations. Great choices for both middle and high school libraries.–Tammy Turner, Centennial High School, Frisco, TX

The Compact Research: Teenage Problems series does a fine job of explaining some of the more serious dilemmas teens face. The books will be used almost exclusively for reports, but they ably keep readers’ interest thanks to the primary-source quotes that pepper the text. Teen Violence looks at the reasons for the phenomenon, considers such issues as media influence, and speculates on how violence can be stopped. Bullying and violence around dating are also discussed. Teenage Dropouts interestingly begins with the fact that before the 1960s, it was no disgrace not to graduate high school. But the job market was, of course, much different then. Today, teens without high-school diplomas will earn much less throughout their lives than those who’ve obtained them. The book goes on to explain why teens drop out (pregnancy often plays a role for both young women and young men). It considers the question of how dropout rates can be reduced and what can be done to help those already out of school. The series design makes way for plenty of color charts and graphs. Listings of advocacy groups, related organizations, source notes, and a bibliography will extend the report writers’ reach. Even those just looking for something to help with schoolwork may be touched by the information here.