From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-A solid overview of illicit drugs from the authors of Alcohol 101 (21st Century, 1999). Major types are listed with their slang names, a general description, and the health effects of their uses and abuses. A chapter is dedicated to the effects of certain drugs on babies who are exposed to them in utero. The problems of crime, the spread of diseases, and the efforts of law-enforcement agencies to stop drug trafficking are discussed. The arguments for and against the legalization of drugs are presented, and the controversy about whether or not medical marijuana should be legal is explained. Information about prevention and treatment, advice on helping a friend who abuses drugs, and a reprint of the Twelve Questions from Marijuana Anonymous are included. Charts and diagrams are helpful; black-and-white photographs are of average quality. The book concludes with drug profiles from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 2002 Drugs of Abuse and a small but excellent list of books, hot lines, e-books, and Web sites to contact for further information. Shelagh R. Masline's Drug Abuse and Teens (Enslow, 2000) is not as detailed and Wendy Klein's Drugs and Denial (Rosen, 1998) presents similar content targeted to reluctant readers. Hyde and Setaro's unbiased title is a fine choice for general use and reports.
Debbie Stewart, Grand Rapids Public Library, MICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. This highly readable overview of drugs and drug abuse offers honest, straightforward information about various illicit drugs often used by teens, and their emotional, physical, and psychological ramifications. Following a chapter on the nature of addiction, the authors group discussions of various drugs into individual chapters: marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine; club and designer drugs; and prescription drugs and inhalants. Additional chapters examine the effects of drugs on adolescent brain development, the societal impact of drug abuse, drug prevention and treatment, and the debate over legalization. Black-and-white photographs, charts, and diagrams are scattered throughout this concise, well-researched overview, which is a solid choice for public and school library collections. Chapter notes, a glossary, and suggestions for further information are appended.
Ed SullivanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
