What is genocide? Why does it happen, and what can be done to prevent
it from happening again? These urgent questions are clearly and
concisely explored for young adult readers.
Some view the systematic killing, rape and destruction of homes in
Darfur as a grave humanitarian crisis. For others, it's a clear example
of the ultimate crime against humanity -- genocide. Who is right? What
is genocide? What is the impact on humanity of wiping out entire groups
of people? Who are the endangered human beings in today's world?
This thoughtful book helps young readers understand these and other
difficult questions. Providing an overview of the history of genocide
worldwide, the book explores the paradox that while a person who murders
another person can be tried and even executed for the crime, a person
who murders hundreds or thousands of people usually goes free. Using
case studies the book points out their unique character while at the
same time establishing important links between them. Most important, the
book answers the question, what can be done to prevent genocide from
happening in the future?
"[The Groundwork Guides] are excellent books, mandatory for school
libraries and the increasing body of young people prepared to take
ownership of the situations and problems previous generations have left
them." -- Globe and Mail
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language
Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2
Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through
particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal
opinions or judgments.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3
Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced,
illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or
anecdotes).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and explain how
it is conveyed in the text.
