From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up—The debate over zoos is presented in 12 distinctive articles—six for and six against—with the purpose of helping readers make up their minds on the subject. The essays look at whether animals suffer in captivity, whether elephants are better off in zoos or in sanctuaries, whether surplus animals are a problem, and whether or not zoos play a positive role in education. There are no winners or losers here, because strong arguments are supplied on both sides, yet the introduction, which briefly summarizes zoo history and current practices, leans to the side in favor of zoos by virtue of the amount of space it devotes to the argument and the verbiage selected. Detractors are said to make "claims," while supporters make "arguments," a subtle, yet effective way to sway students. These articles themselves are well presented with a brief descriptive blurb and follow back to back, pro and con. The views of Captive Animals' Protection Society, In Defense of Animals, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are represented, along with those of some independent experts. Attractive photography, cartoons, charts, and graphs support the text, although there is some wasted dead-white space. A "What You Should Do About Zoos and Animal Welfare" section is appended. Students will get a good start on their research projects using this title, and, if their mission is to take action, the final section is a solid guide.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA
Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Greenhaven (December 13, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780737738186
ISBN-13: 978-0737738186
ASIN: 0737738189
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches