Nuclear Falsehood

My 35 years as a teacher and teacher educator have made me sensitive to children’s books that lie to children. Despite Kristiana Gregory’s contention to the contrary (The Book Review, Aug. 31), it is clear that the title of Judith Vigna’s book, “Nobody Wants a Nuclear War,” is a falsehood.

American children have the need to know that the Soviet Union would drop nuclear bombs on us tomorrow if it knew for sure we could not or would not retaliate in kind. The “clear, strong message” of Vigna’s book “Nobody Wants a Nuclear War”--that America should unilaterally destroy its nuclear weapons for the sake of peace--thus deceives children. They must learn that for hopes of peace to come true, people must forcibly resist the evil that exists in the world.

PATRICK GOFF

College of Education

San Diego State University

San Diego