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School Library Journal Review

Gr 8 Up‘With the resurgence of militias and the different forms they are now taking, a new book on the subject hits the stands every few weeks. In this one, the question of philosophy and purpose of today's militias, as opposed to those formed in colonial times, is debated. Historical names, quotations, and events are used to support ideas on both sides. A précis of the viewpoint that is about to be presented begins each article. Throughout each entry, key sentences are repeated in boxed, bold print. The chapters that are pro-militia occupy the first half of the book, followed by arguments against the movement. Students with short attention spans may never learn why some people are opposed to militias. Neil Hamilton's more complete Militias in America (ABC-CLIO, 1996) presents the same material in a more objective manner and appends many of the same, plus many more resources for further information.‘Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High School, Brockton, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Gr. 8-12. Eight current essays on the modern militia movement--four defending and four assailing--make up this latest At Issue series title. The articles take a variety of approaches and represent a broad spectrum of voices, from a militia commander and a presidential aide/consultant to attorneys, editors, and political researchers on both sides of the issue. Militia proponents devote considerable effort to interpreting how the Constitution defends the right to establish militias and to defending such organizations as important safeguards of individual liberty, harmless unless they feel threatened by an overbearing government. Antimilitia writers stress the potential for violence and, for example, what is seen as a crucial distinction between a constitutionally sanctioned National Guard and angry survivalists playing soldier. The many arguments, pro and con, will help students investigate this thorny controversy and focus their thinking on what is sure to be a popular research and debate topic. Bibliography; list of organizations. (Reviewed March 1, 1997)1565105427Anne O'Malley