June 2015

Children and young people play a significant role in this month's alumni bookshelf, from supporting young people’s development through theatre, to explaining Schizophrenia to the very young.

1.

The protection of children from maltreatment is a worldwide challenge. Social context plays a significant role in both the definition and society’s responses to child maltreatment. The core concept of child maltreatment is socially constructed with variations in its meaning over time and between cultures, creating significant challenges and resulting in a tension between respecting different cultures yet having one law or standard applicable for all children.

This Major Work serves a significant function in pulling together literature demonstrating the different lessons that have been learned, pulling out common elements where possible, and helping to clarify the nature of the differences.

Child Maltreatment

2.

Schizophrenia is explained to children (4+) through a simple story comparing a child's fun imaginary friends to the voices that can be brought on by schizophrenia or psychosis. Little Bea talks about all the fun things she does with her pretend friend and Big Jay explains how his friends are very different and what people can do to support him.

Pretend Friends

3.

How does a Christian discern the will of God? While this question lies at the heart of the Christian moral life, religious communities struggle to articulate responses that balance simple faith and rational reflection. Some characterize discernment as simple obedience to the commandments in Scripture; others portray it as an exercise of human reason and conscience.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian, pastor, and political conspirator who embodied a life of discernment amidst difficult circumstances in WWII Germany, offers a compelling theological account of how to seek and respond to God's will. By tracing Bonhoeffer's understanding of moral discernment throughout his writings, and especially in his Ethics, Joshua Kaiser demonstrates the importance of discernment for Bonhoeffer's vision of Christian ethics and explores how his view combines elements of simple faith and rational reflection. While the results of the study will be significant for those interested in Bonhoeffer, they will also be relevant to all who struggle along the path of Christian discipleship.

Becoming Simple and Wise: Moral Discernment in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Vision of Christian Ethics

4.

Youth Theatre: Drama for Life defines the youth theatre process, by outlining its constituent parts and explaining how these activities work in order to support young people’s development. As well as describing what is done in youth theatre, it also explores why it’s done and how to ensure the best possible outcomes.

As well as giving key tips and advice from his own invaluable experience, Richardson offers comments from practitioners and participants on what makes a successful youth theatre experience.

Youth Theatre: Drama for Life

Read Michael Richardson's alumni profile.

5.

Winner of the 43rd Anagrama Essay Prize, Divine! Models, Power and Lies is a daring academic, personal and political study that researches fashion models from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Currently available in all Spanish speaking countries.

¡Divinas! Modelos, poder y mentiras (Divine! Models, Power and Lies)

Please note

All of the further information links listed are the external websites of the book publisher, the author, or the bookseller. The University of Edinburgh is not responsible for the content and functionality of these sites.