Gr 7-10--Both titles employ in-depth narrative and probing questions to relate the background, development, culture, and current status of two denominations. Students working on reports will be well served by the thorough discussion of the key players and precepts, as well as by the endnotes, lists of further reading, indexes, and Internet sites. The beliefs that set the groups apart from mainstream religion, e.g., the practice of polygamy (The Mormons) and the selective use of technology (The Amish) are treated objectively. Large, well-reproduced black-and-white captioned photographs and prints are attractive and informative. There are no recipes, no crafts, no plethora of boxed insets, no frills. Fred Israel's The Amish (Chelsea, 1996) covers much of the same ground. Most of the other resources available on these religious groups, however, are pitched to a younger or older audience or are designed for proselytizing or tourism. Williams's titles are solid additions for any YA collection.
Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Includes a history of the Amish, their general doctrines, practices, social structure, place in American society, changes in beliefs, and issues facing them in modern society.
