Exploring Animal Rights and Animal Welfare

Throughout history humans have used nonhuman animals in many different ways to ensure the success of their survival, and throughout history there have been differing opinions about how and when animals should be used for satisfying human needs. Some argue that we should no longer use animals in ways that seem to exploit them. Others argue this is okay as long as the animals are not hurt. In this four-volume set, information is provided in an objective manner to encourage students to think critically and to form their own opinions about this important topic.

Volume 1: Using Animals for Food

Volume 2: Using Animals for Research

Volume 3: Using Animals for Entertainment

Volume 4: Using Animals for Clothing

Grade 5

Designed for middle-schoolers, this series examines the ways animals are treated or mistreated by humans in volumes titled Using Animals for Food, Using Animals in Research, Using Animals for Entertainment, and Using Animals for Clothing. The volumes use the same arrangement: an introductory chapter in which a general overview or history as well as all sides of the issue are spelled out; 10 chapters discussing all aspects of the topic; and a final chapter presenting all sides of the various arguments related to the topic. A glossary, bibliography, and index provide reference aid. In addition to a handful of books, each volume's bibliography includes Web sites. Some, such as the sites for the ASCPA, the Humane Society of the U.S., and PETA are found in all four volumes. There is no comprehensive index.

The text is easy to read and comprehend and delivers information in an unbiased manner. Boxes appear throughout the books, enhancing the text with additional facts or definitions. Some boxes appear at the end of a section and pose questions for the reader to ponder. There are illustrations of animals in many situations, including experimentation. All of the photographs are black and white. Although colored photos are not essential to the topic, students are more responsive to colorful illustrations. The set would be useful for research papers or as a resource for debate topics and is recommended for school and public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved