Booklist

The In Controversy series presents varied points of view on well-defined, timely topics. Typically, the introduction of each book personalizes the dilemma, the opening chapter looks at the origins and history of the controversy, and the remainder of the book explores the questions raised within the topic. In Climate Change, Marcovitz considers the reliability of scientific research on the subject, the potential economic and environmental impacts of global warming, and the responses of world governments. Offshore Oil Drilling discusses America’s dependence on offshore oil for energy security, environmental damage (looking particularly at the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill), economic benefits, and how drilling might be made safer. Drinking Age looks at whether teens are mature enough to drink responsibly, whether changing the drinking age affects binge drinking, and whether European cultures offer useful models for responsible teen drinking. Clearly written and presenting plenty of relevant information, the books offer opposing points of view in a fairly evenhanded way. Clean page design makes the text look more accessible through wide margins as well as the use of color in design elements and photos. Each volume concludes with an annotated list of relevant organizations, a bibliography, and source notes for the quotes in each chapter. Good resources for research projects. —Carolyn Phelan