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GENOCIDE
by Rebecca Donnelly
School Library Journal Reviews
April 1, 2012
SECTION: THE BOOK REVIEW; Grades 5-up; Pg. 184 Vol. 58 No. 04
Gr 7-10-The first book provides an overview of several well-known
genocides, including the Holocaust and the more recent tragedies
in Rwanda and Darfur. The slaughter of Armenians by Turks before
World War I; the Mongol conquests; the killing fields of Cambodia;
and the massacre at Srebrenica are also discussed. Throughout
the text, Friedman asks readers to consider difficult questions:
Why do peacekeeping forces sometimes fail? What is the role of
witnesses to genocide? How should such crimes be prosecuted, and
how can future generations be educated? Sidebars cover topics such
as the use of propaganda and the Nuremberg trials, and basic maps
provide geographical context. Back matter includes a useful key to
the characteristics that genocides have in common.
Human Rights opens with the story of a young gravel pit worker in
Zambia and then discusses the history of the concept of human rights.
Each chapter covers a different subset of rights, including children's
rights; criminal and political prisoners' rights; the right to life;
gender, race, and cultural rights; and the right to free expression.
"Case studies" (really just extended sidebars) highlight people and
movements, like Falun Gong and the Tank Man in Tiananmen Square.
Despite occasionally awkward language ("a person's nationality is
important to have a sense of identity"), this book will serve students
well for brief reports, but they will need additional resources for
longer projects. The critical-thinking exercises offer plenty of
opportunities to engage with the subject. Back matter includes the
UN Declaration of Human Rights. Both books include black-and-white
and full-color photos. Well-laid-out and thought-provoking books on
important topics.-Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library,
Rio Rancho, NM
by Rebecca Donnelly
School Library Journal Reviews
April 1, 2012
SECTION: THE BOOK REVIEW; Grades 5-up; Pg. 184 Vol. 58 No. 04
Gr 7-10-The first book provides an overview of several well-known
genocides, including the Holocaust and the more recent tragedies
in Rwanda and Darfur. The slaughter of Armenians by Turks before
World War I; the Mongol conquests; the killing fields of Cambodia;
and the massacre at Srebrenica are also discussed. Throughout
the text, Friedman asks readers to consider difficult questions:
Why do peacekeeping forces sometimes fail? What is the role of
witnesses to genocide? How should such crimes be prosecuted, and
how can future generations be educated? Sidebars cover topics such
as the use of propaganda and the Nuremberg trials, and basic maps
provide geographical context. Back matter includes a useful key to
the characteristics that genocides have in common.
Human Rights opens with the story of a young gravel pit worker in
Zambia and then discusses the history of the concept of human rights.
Each chapter covers a different subset of rights, including children's
rights; criminal and political prisoners' rights; the right to life;
gender, race, and cultural rights; and the right to free expression.
"Case studies" (really just extended sidebars) highlight people and
movements, like Falun Gong and the Tank Man in Tiananmen Square.
Despite occasionally awkward language ("a person's nationality is
important to have a sense of identity"), this book will serve students
well for brief reports, but they will need additional resources for
longer projects. The critical-thinking exercises offer plenty of
opportunities to engage with the subject. Back matter includes the
UN Declaration of Human Rights. Both books include black-and-white
and full-color photos. Well-laid-out and thought-provoking books on
important topics.-Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library,
Rio Rancho, NM