Who Will Shout If Not Us?

October 1, 2010
Grades 6-9 Like the other entries in the Civil Rights Struggles around the World series, this book chronicles events that will be ancient history to its readership but closes with a brief analysis of the enduring effects of the infamous Tiananmen Square conflict in 1989. After laying out a general look at China in the twentieth century, Kerns presents a detailed, dispassionate account of the events of 1989, known in China as the June 4th Protests, to distinguish them from the many other demonstrations (peaceful and otherwise) that have occurred in Tiananmen Square. Forced to rely largely on foreign and refugee reportsbecause of the Chinese governments disinterest in transparencyshe paints a picture of an initially nonviolent series of student protests that escalated in large part because of the governments clumsy attempts to ignore, belittle, or at least put an unfavorable spin on the protesters and their issues before taking an uncompromising hard line. Well stocked with small color photos, side boxes (including one on the still-anonymous Tank Man), and supportive back matter, this makes a serviceable assignment title on the topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2011
These series entries address three struggles in the worldwide history of civil rights. Strong texts provide readers with essential background information on such topics as the ILGWU, apartheid, and Chinese government oppression; the activist movements' beginnings, confrontations, results, and significance within their nations' histories are then discussed. Many dynamic photographs illustrate the information-rich (if dense) volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)