Gr 5-7-There are few contemporary issues more controversial than the right of animals to a safe and natural life. Patterson presents a fair, thorough examination of the subject, offering a history of animal-rights movements; anecdotal stories of children and adults confronting cruel practices; and some basic, nonradical solutions. He addresses dissection in the classroom, the use of animals for entertainment, medical research, eating meat, and wearing fur, among other topics of concern. There is no advocacy of activism, but facts are given that will allow most children to make informed decisions. Average-to-poor quality black-and-white photographs appear throughout.-Eva Elisabeth Von Ancken, Trinity Pawling School, NY
