This book provides opposing viewpoints about the dangers of video games. While it invites critical thinking, little context is provided, and the Cliffs Notes approach may encourage readers to skip doing their own research. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Each book in this series provides information on a host of current controversial topics relevant to todayÆs society, from drug legalization and abortion to school violence and video games. School Violence discusses whether violence is becoming more widespread or the mediaÆs spotlight on isolated episodes draws more attention to violent crimes in schools. Statistics on school and university violence are analyzed as well as the causes. People attribute a multitude of influences as reasons for violent acts in schools, yet not all of them offer proven connections. The role families, video games, bullying, and television play in triggering violence is discussed with examples of actual cases of violence. The bookÆs ending examines the aftermath left behind by school violence and whether certain measures can be adapted to curtail violence in schools. In Video Games, a debate highlights the subjective issue of whether video games are harmful to children. Although some people believe video games create violent tendencies and harmful addictions, others claim that games are educational or help rehabilitate those with health issues. An analysis of game regulations that discusses the number of children and teens playing games with mature ratings sparks debate, suggesting that parents should be more aware of video game content and that sales of video games to minors should be more closely monitored. All series books have a common chapter layout that begins with an overview of the specific topic and ends with lists of primary quotes, quick facts, and charts or graphs of statistics found on each debated issue. The books are well researched and informative. The statistics are current and will be considered an excellent source for research papers. The language enables any age group to use the information, and the use of charts to convey a point is helpful for reluctant readers as well as a positive teaching tool.ùLaura Panter.