Identity Theft Genocide

Gr 8 Up—Presenting multiple sides to controversial topics, these books are well researched and informative. They focus on the U.S. but include some discussion of international issues, explain legislative acts in understandable language, and give compelling personal examples of those affected by these crimes. The simple layouts utilize helpful paragraph headings and sidebars set against yellow backgrounds. Full-color photographs and graphics are sprinkled throughout. Hanel explores types of identity theft, common scams, and prevention, which is a contentious point. Many argue that governmental proposals to secure data are invading people's privacy and civil liberties. Genocide examines the U.N.'s efforts to define and make the crime of genocide punishable under international law. Perl describes chilling genocide of Armenians and Jews, and inside Cambodia, Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, and Darfur. Unlike the other titles that let readers form their own opinions, the author heavily criticizes "the reasons often cited by American officialdom" in a section entitled "The Failure of the U.S. to Stop Genocide: Justified or Not?" Enslow's "Issues in Focus" series covers similar topics. Internet Piracy discusses copyright protection, theft of intellectual property, and the rise of online piracy of software, movies, and music. The book addresses the debate between those who push for freedom of information and those who want to crack down on violators. With rapid changes in technology and legislation, Identity Theft and Internet Piracy are recommended for all libraries seeking quality and current materials on these topics. Genocide is suggested for libraries that need updated books covering 21-century events.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA