From School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up-A somewhat balanced overview of gay rights in the United States. Part I includes the history, laws, culture, significant events, biographical listings, and a glossary that covers an array of terms from a priori to visitation rights. Next, a "Guide to Further Research" offers tips for doing reports, an extensive annotated bibliography, which is slanted toward the pro side of gay rights, and a chapter on GLBT organizations and agencies. Appendixes include excerpts from major court decisions, from statements of government policies and legislation, and from major U.S. historical documents from the gay-rights debate. While this book does include a great deal of accurate information, there are some omissions. For instance, Ellen DeGeneres is included in the biographical listing but Melissa Etheridge, a pioneer activist in the entertainment industry, is not. OutProud is not among the many youth organizations listed. Also, the Deaf Queer Resource Center and the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center are not included. Finally, fact checking is amiss, as many of the organizations and agencies have changed addresses and now have Web sites that are not provided.-Betty S. Evans, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Kranz (Straight Talk About Smoking) and Cusick, a theater artist and an editor, respectively, have taken on the daunting task of compiling a succinct, one-volume overview of gay rights in America. In three sections, the text presents a topical overview, further research, and appendixes. Part 1 contains a chronology, significant court cases, legal issues, and brief biographical listings of people opposed to and in favor of gay rights. A notable feature found in Part 2 is the chapter "How To Research Gay Rights," which provides researchers with a much-needed sense of direction. Unfortunately, the authors do not mention the wide network of gay archives across the United States. Because the series is titled "Library in a Book," this reviewer was concerned that Gay Rights might be overreaching its goal, but the authors have successfully covered the topic here. While not a scholarly tome, this work may provide a foundation for further research for both general readers and academics. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.DMichael A. Lutes, Univ. of Notre Dame Lib., IN
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
