Addiction

Children's Literature

One in a series of four books about "The Amazing Brain," aimed at the middle school audience, this one illuminates the often-used term of addiction. Attractively formatted and well-researched, this book defines addiction, discusses addictive drugs, provides information about how the normal brain works and then tells the effects of various drugs on the brain and the possibility of recovery. The text is understandable for its audience, while taking an informative as opposed to preachy stance. Scattered throughout the text are highlights regarding subjects such as "seeing the signs," "caffeine content of selected foods and drinks" and "can science combat addiction." There are drawings depicting the workings of the brain and nervous system as well as plenty of up-to-date color photos. This book is ideal for the science classroom, but also an aid in helping any family educate itself about the growing problem of addiction in this country. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $21.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger