Stem Cell Research

May 1, 2012
Grades 8-11 Books in the Ethical Debates series present balanced overviews of the subjects discussed and consider different points of view on the controversial issues raised. The general discussions are bolstered by specific instances and boxed pairs of quotes representing two sides of each issue. While the page design and the clear color photos make the content look accessible to a broad range of readers, the actual reading level is more consistent with high-school use than with the publisher's middle-grade recommendation. Stem Cell Research explains ethical concerns about this hotly debated research method, as well as the promise it holds for medical treatments. The series apparently originates in the UK; on balance, though, the series' international content is an asset, offering a broader view of how governments and societies worldwide are grappling with the issues under discussion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)