From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-Gottfried deals with the potentially explosive topic of Constitutional rights and whether or not they are violated by the added security measures deemed necessary by our government to prevent further terrorist attacks. The author references news stories heard throughout the conflict with Afghanistan and the war with Iraq, such as the treatment of POWs at Guantanamo Bay, the USA PATRIOT Act, as well as the sometimes frustrating terror code warnings issued by the government that affect the way Americans travel and live. Gottfried covers all sides of each issue, providing facts that allow readers to draw their own conclusions. Human-interest stories are included, describing the unjustified arrest of many young men of Arab descent following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Direct quotes and black-and-white photos add an additional element of human interest. The final chapter explores the idea of criticizing the government and the president as being unpatriotic as well as the conflict in Congress over President Bush's decision to go to war. The book offers more in-depth information than most students receive from newspapers or television, giving opposing viewpoints in a logical, nonthreatening manner.
Julie Webb, Shelby County High School, Shelbyville, KY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Julie Webb, Shelby County High School, Shelbyville, KY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 8-12. In this time of increased terrorism, how can we balance civil liberties with the risk to American lives and property? Is criticism of the president unpatriotic? Can torture ever be morally justified? Beginning with a detailed account of the 9/11 attack and its aftermath, Gottfried addresses these questions as he discusses the recent history of American war and defense, including the controversial Patriot Act. One chapter looks at presidential power and the Constitution through history, including Roosevelt's internment of the Japanese. Other chapters discuss the treatment of detainees and immigrants now. Government views on safety versus. "legalisms" get a lot of space, as does criticism of the ACLU and others. Gottfried's style is sometimes turgid, and, of course, any book on homeland security is already partly out of date. But this is still a worthwhile overview that can serve as a starting place for discussion on the Constitution, especially when used in conjunction with Russell Freedman's stellar In Defense of Liberty [BKL Oct 15 03]. Chapter notes, a glossary, and a bibliography are appended. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
