Managing Conflict Resolution

Conflict arises in every relationship: within families, partnerships, groups, and nations. Whether a dispute turns destructive or constructive often depends on how it is handled. Managing Conflict Resolution examines the causes of conflict in homes, schools, and the wider world. It also explores different methods people have developed to guide conflicts to positive "win/win" resolutions.

History and current events topics covered include:

• The Cuban Missile Crisis
• The Laramie Treaty of 1868
• The creation of the U.S. Constitution
• The relationship between Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda
• How leaders such as Cesar Chavez use conflict resolution in labor disputes
• How former gang members work together to stop gang violence.

Grade 9 Up—This book discusses relationships at home, among friends, at school, in communities, and, finally, between nations. Chapter one focuses on the different forms of conflict and ways to manage it. Using examples as disparate as the Cuban Missile Crisis and neighbors who play loud music, the text demonstrates that good communication skills (which are listed in a sidebar) and peer-mediation skills serve one well in any situation in which resolution abilities are needed. Bullying and appropriate responses to it are discussed. Vignettes of how individuals can make a difference are also included. The concluding chapters, "Checks and Balances in the United States" and "Managing Conflicts Around the World," detract from the more immediate valuable message the book offers. Jim Gallagher and Dorothy Kavanaugh's A Guys' Guide to Conflict; A Girls' Guide to Conflict (Enslow, 2008) concentrates strictly on teen issues and behavioral guidelines.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY
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