“Public Art discusses art in nontraditional settings, including under freeway overpasses and in subway tunnels, in fields, bodies of water, and volcanic craters. Public Art features urban murals, memorial landscaping, green space décor, kitschy pop art, and art of social protest. This fascinating book includes notes, a glossary, referrals to obtain more information via books and websites.” Kristi Bonds, South Sound Book Review Council, Washington State
"A useful reference to a neglected area, Loonin's Public Art promotes urban murals, memorial landscaping, green space decor, the AIDS quilt, and eco-sculpture that invite daily perusal by all levels of society, including children and the disabled." Mary Ellen Snodgrass, Voice of Youth Advocates Reviews
“I’d share some examples of public art from Loonin’s book as well as some graffiti images (think Banksy) to get the graffiti juices flowing. From there, I’d designate a space—a bare wall covered with butcher paper, large glass windows—and hand out supplies for teens to create their own graffiti.” Amy Koester, Youth Librarian, Skokie, Illinois, The Show Me Librarian, "Using Nonfiction in the Library, the Classroom, and at Home”
“Using a straightforward style, the author effectively introduces each topic and reviews its impact in a non-judgmental way that opens these topics up for further research or discussion. This is an excellent introduction, especially for middle school students, to the societal changes that will increasingly become a part of their lives. Recommended for all middle school collections." North Carolina State Board of Education, Infotech Advisory List
“Filled with anecdotes and intriguing facts. Americans under 25 belong to the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in American history; one in every ten people living in the United States was born somewhere else in the world; most hate crimes are committed by people under 18. The book provides solid background information on very real and contemporary issues that should be discussed by students in a broad range of social studies classes." Karen Leggett, Washington, D.C. based writer and journalist, advocate for improved special education services
"I was pleasantly surprised at the genuinely balanced treatment this YA title brings to the highly emotional and controversial issue of Legalizing Drugs." Alan L. Jobe, reader, writer, book reviewer, Libdrone blog
"Overweight America is a good addition for student information and health research projects. Discusses weight and health in America, reasons for obesity, eating habits and lifestyles among American youth, and the role of the food industry." BJ Neary, Librarian and teacher, Greater Philadelphia area