Animal Rights Movement

February 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-These books focus on developments within social movements in the United States and elsewhere that are meant to bring about significant change in the welfare of both humans and animals. Green Movement outlines the history of environmental issues from the 19th century and to current international concern over climate change. Brief synopses of the works of Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Rachel Carson, Al Gore, and others are interspersed with discussions of both the successes and failures of a variety of groups and movements. Love Canal, nuclear disarmament, and endangered species are among the subjects covered. A somewhat cursory time line and "Essential Facts" section do not present useful information for researchers, and the photographs lend little interest. Animal Rights focuses on the increased interest in the treatment of animals used for research, food, and entertainment. While covering a topic lending itself to high emotion, the text is straightforward and matter of fact. The illustrations will not upset younger readers although some descriptions of cruel and abusive treatment of animals may be disturbing. Discussed are the growing numbers of vegetarians and vegans, the foundation of PETA, and the political and business attitudes toward attempts to regulate the often horrific conditions to which animals are subjected. Useful for reports involving the history of environmental movements.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2013
Grades 5-7 Expanding the scope of the Essential Library of Social Change series beyond examinations of human-rights initiatives (there is also a volume on the Green movement), this survey begins with the rise of the animal-welfare movement in the nineteenth century, then traces the growth of vegetarian and vegan practices as well as the philosophical and organizational foundations of animal-liberation advocates. While highlighting major cases and protests, successful or otherwise, the author describes farm, circus, and testing-lab abuses without dwelling on gory details. Furthermore, few, if any, of the sparse assortment of photos are explicit enough to disturb younger viewers. Largely based on published sources but incorporating some new material, the study offers readers a relatively dispassionate picture of a hot-button emotional issue with its major agendas and obstacles.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)