Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Youth Violence. Edited by Tracey Vasil Biscontini. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 1 vol. 215 p. $36.20. ISBN 10: 0-7377-2877-9; 13: 978-0-7377-2877-4.

While some level of violence has always been prevalent in schools, the Columbine massacre brings several problems to be analyzed: bullying in schools today; the possible blame that could be placed on violent music, movies and video games; and lax gun–control laws. No one answer explains this or any other youth act of violence. Chapter 1 traces youth violence through American history with the first article questioning whether violence is more prevalent or if the public simply is more aware of what is happening. It is suggested that youth gangs began after the American Revolution. The next chapter discusses "Societal Influences on Youth Violence." And Chapter 3 covers "Media and Youth Violence." In this latter chapter, comic books, rap music, the media, video games and bullying in cyberspace are discussed as possible causes. The final chapter talks about "Responses to Youth Violence." School administrators and teachers who need help addressing this problem could start here and then ask students to do further research.