Is the World Prepared for a Deadly Influenza Pandemic?

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.

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.