The Los Angeles Riots : America's Cities in Crisis

An examination of the varied causes, events, and results of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, reviewing the background of urban unrest in the United States and summarizing the continuing debate over possible solutions to the problem

Grade 5-7-- This look at the 1992 civil disturbances in Los Angeles does a good job of examining the events and their underlying social and economic problems, which were ignited by the controversial verdict in the Rodney King case. In addition to offering many full-color photographs and a well-written text, this book highlights some important issues such as media involvement, police relations with minorities, and the Rebuild L. A. effort. A greater understanding of urban violence is achieved by putting this riot into a historical context of violent protest in this country. While Salak generally avoids oversimplification, there are some problems. The repeated use of the word "ghetto," which is objectionable to members of the affected communities, is disturbing. Also, he states that "the jury came back with a 'not guilty' verdict that cleared all four men of any wrong doing." In fact, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges brought against one officer, but the perception was that they were all cleared. While the indictment of the four officers on Federal charges is mentioned in passing, the upcoming trial of the men who allegedly beat truck driver Reginald Denny is not mentioned. Subsequent events have already dated the book to some extent, but in the communities that feel that there has been no real progress in addressing their problems, the potential for further violence remains, and Salak gives background on the issues involved. --Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A well-balanced account of the causes and effects of one of 1992's major social disasters. Especially good in his use of historical perspective, Salak shows how earlier urban violence in the US compared to--and contrasted with--this outbreak. In his analysis, the riots were sparked by the apparent unfairness of the Rodney King verdict, but their real causes were worsening economic conditions and community breakdown. Using color photos, captions, and sidebars, the author covers the actual riot briefly, but discusses society's reactions to it in greater depth. He quotes appeals by community groups, media personalities, and Rodney King himself, all of which failed to stop the violence; mentions related outbreaks in other cities; and concludes with official and grass-roots efforts to ``heal the wounds,'' making clear that ``business as usual'' will not suffice. A fine contribution to current events collections. Chronology, further reading, index. (Nonfiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.