From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-- In an attractive format, this sturdy volume discusses the history of the United Nations from pre-League of Nations days to the present. The text is clear and well organized. Included are a general history, the structure of the UN, specific case studies of UN involvement, and special world problems of concern to the UN. A cursory look at some of the UN's specialized international organizations--such as the World Health Organization--is also included. The U. S. decision to withdraw from UNESCO in 1984 is briefly discussed in terms of the official reasons and some possible additional motives. In this context, a reference to the "hostility of the Reagan administration to the UN" goes without further explanation. This is an unfortunate slip in an otherwise balanced, unbiased overview of the situation. Black-and-white or color illustrations or photographs are found on every page; in the section on case studies, the colorful maps are particularly helpful in clarifying information. Similar in scope and reading level to the Woods' The United Nations (Watts, 1985), this title is more visually appealing and offers chronologies and an arrangement that will attract students. --Marilyn Long Graham, Jacksonville Public Libraries, FLCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Reviewed with Ross Stewart's United Nations.Gr. 5-8. "We live in a 'global village' that needs global supervision," writes Ross. These two titles in the new World Watch series examine international organizations that track global issues. United Nations covers the formation, structure, function, and history of the U.N. up to post-cold war peacekeeping, social, and environmental missions. Greenpeace combines a similar overview of the organization's history and structure as well as its most prominent campaigns. Both volumes are admirable in their coverage of the organizations' successes and failures as well as the complexity of the issues. Students may not have the background to understand a few passages; Ross, for example, refers to "the slaughter" in Yugoslavia without explaining who was involved. But overall, these are clear, balanced resources that will give students a deeper understanding not only of the organizations but also of the most pressing, complex global issues. Too bad there are no source notes, only a tiny list of suggested resources. A glossary and a nice selection of color photos round out the titles. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Card catalog description
Discusses the establishment of the United Nations, its function in preventing war and eliminating poverty, and its role in various international conflicts.
United Nations ANNOTATION
Discusses the establishment of the United Nations, its function in preventing war and eliminating poverty, and its role in various international conflicts.
FROM THE CRITICS
School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up-- In an attractive format, this sturdy volume discusses the history of the United Nations from pre-League of Nations days to the present. The text is clear and well organized. Included are a general history, the structure of the UN, specific case studies of UN involvement, and special world problems of concern to the UN. A cursory look at some of the UN's specialized international organizations--such as the World Health Organization--is also included. The U. S. decision to withdraw from UNESCO in 1984 is briefly discussed in terms of the official reasons and some possible additional motives. In this context, a reference to the ``hostility of the Reagan administration to the UN'' goes without further explanation. This is an unfortunate slip in an otherwise balanced, unbiased overview of the situation. Black-and-white or color illustrations or photographs are found on every page; in the section on case studies, the colorful maps are particularly helpful in clarifying information. Similar in scope and reading level to the Woods' The United Nations (Watts, 1985), this title is more visually appealing and offers chronologies and an arrangement that will attract students. --Marilyn Long Graham, Jacksonville Public Libraries, FL
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-In this timely overview, Ross describes the U.N. as "the most daring experiment in global cooperation ever undertaken." He discusses its formation, provides a look into its complex organization, and describes the functions of its various bodies. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the role of the U.N. as peacekeeper and peacemaker. The author points out the organization's successes and failures both in responsibility and world opinion. He does not shy away from discussing the controversies surrounding UNESCO and the role of the U.S. Two-page chapters keep the information accessible, and boxed text helps to highlight various programs, such as those addressing AIDS, environmental problems, and emergency food supplies. Black-and-white and clear color photographs of the U.N. peacekeeping troops and relief workers throughout its history will provide students with a sense of those places in which the organization has been and is an active presence.-Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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