Is Stem Cell Research Necessary?

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.

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.

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.

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.