From School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up--Two effective, informative series entries illustrated with appealing black-and-white and full-color photographs. The hi/lo reading level makes the books especially suited to reluctant readers although all young people will benefit from the material presented. Also, while the pictures and situations used as examples involve high-school students, younger teens can learn much as well. Abusive Relationships covers emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, with some emphasis on date rape. Advice is given to teens on how to get help, whether they are being abused or inflicting abuse. One criticism, however, is that Rue offers a checklist to help teenaged girls determine if they are victims of abuse. If five or more of the statements are true, according to the author, abuse is happening. One of the entries reads, "He has hit, slapped, pushed, or kicked me before." It doesn't seem that such a situation requires any further elucidation. Schleifer discusses the longtime, cross-cultural custom of hazing and how it is pervasive in society from bootcamps and fraternities to sports and the workplace. Special attention is paid to street-gang hazing and antihazing laws. Both books discuss the wider issue of violence in our society and offer suggestions on how to work to end it.
Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
