Bound to spark intense discussion, some of the viewpoints in these titles in the At Issue: Social Issues series are so extreme that it's hard to see why they are given equal voice. But the authoritative answers, along with individual profiles as well as statistics and scientific evidence, will help readers confront the hot social issues and analyze the data behind the rhetoric and, in some cases, propaganda. In AIDS in Developing Countries, the arguments for abstinence may convince some readers, but there is little scientific support for the diatribes against vaccines and condoms and for the claims that the epidemic statistics have been grossly exaggerated. Each title includes an extensive list of organizations to contact and a bibliography of books and articles.

Gr 8 Up-The prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in developing countries is discussed in a series of reprints from academic journals, national newspapers, and popular magazines. The authors include policy makers, doctors, journalists, and economists. Since each one approaches the issue from a different angle, it will be difficult for readers to find common ground on which position to take. Economists highlight the loss of productive workers who are suffering or dying from AIDS-related complications, for example, while a medical anthropologist makes a strong case for sexual abstinence. To further complicate the issue, the book presents strong evidence that the United Nations and other agencies inflate statistics on the numbers of infected persons in order to generate funds for the fight against the virus, and explains that some medical professionals see malaria, tuberculosis, and inadequate sanitation as greater problems in developing countries. While this book is more provocative, several related titles in the publisher's "Opposing Viewpoints" series provide clearer pros and cons on handling the epidemic. Also, it is disappointing that the book has no charts or graphs. Additional. Peggy Fleming, Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY