Privacy and Surveillance

Gr 6–9—The authors address these topics fairly and impartially, with substantial support for both sides of the arguments. Written clearly and concisely, each accessible title begins with a case study highlighting the issues involved before explaining them. Privacy describes the uses of surveillance in our lives and discusses where it can be found, including our homes, schools, workplaces, and computers. In Same-Sex Marriage, sexual orientation is explained, as well as marriage and its accompanying rights, legal issues, children, and societal effects. Freedom of Information looks at the rights of citizens to access information from the government and legislation that addresses them, utilizing accessible information, those who expose wrongdoing, and the future direction for this freedom. Short chapters, copious photos representative of the events and situations relevant to the facts provided, fact boxes, viewpoints containing quoted opinions, supporting case studies, and succinct chapter summaries all contribute to the overall appeal and usefulness of these books, although a few of the photos are dark and not as sharp and clear as they could be.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE