FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Susan Hepler, Ph.D.

As part of the "Issues in Focus" series, this book explores the questions raised by Megan's Law. Named for a seven-year-old New Jersey child brutally raped and murdered, the resulting collection of laws state that neighbors be told if certain high-risk previously convicted sex offenders move into their community. These released offenders must also register with the police in the community where they settle. In eight chapters, the book covers the murder of Megan Kanka and the suspect brought to justice, the history of laws protecting children against child molesters, the case for and the case against Megan's Law, courtroom applications, and ways of teaching children to watch out for themselves. The results of this law include a national database of sex crime offenders, Megan's killer is still, as of 2004, on Maryland's death row, and the issues of personal privacy versus the need for protection from pedophiles continue to be discussed. The book provides background, source notes by chapter, an index, and photos of some of the lawyers, community activists, families, and criminals involved in this most emotionally charged violation. It will be of interest to high school ethics students, debate teams, would-be lawyers, and government classes for its balanced and well-documented discussion. 2001, Enslow, Ages 12 to 16.

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-Fodor lays the foundation of her discussion of laws regarding police registration and community notification of sex offenders with her coverage of the story of seven-year-old Megan Kanka's abuse and murder. She uses the heartrending stories of children who were victims of unspeakable crimes to discuss the history of laws to protect children and to describe characteristics of a child molester. The author examines the case for and against Megan's Law and its federal version as protection for children versus privacy violation. Concluding the volume is a commonsense chapter entitled "Teaching Children to Watch Out for Themselves." Fodor uses relatively straightforward language throughout and explains such terms as bill, sentence, and victim in the glossary. However, employing the same few cases of molestation and murder to illustrate varied points may make the text repetitious for some readers. Average-quality, black-and-white photos are scattered throughout. Extensive chapter notes complete this work.-Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.