Marijuana

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 An intelligent and objective book. In their extensive revision of their 1979 book, the Stwertkas do not attempt to frighten readers out of substance abuse, but rather to present the facts and allow them to come to their own conclusions. The facts about marijuana are presented, from its historical use to today's attempts to eradicate it from the drug scene. The book's weakness may be its occasional detours into discussion of other psychoactive drugs, such as PCP and LSD. Its strength is that it treats junior high students as if they had brains. The last two pages discuss what might happen to the fabric of society if marijuana use were legalized. This edition contains a glossary of terms and lists of organizations to consult. Many new black-and-white photographs complement the text. This book updates the first edition, and should supercede it on library shelves. Norman N. Dilley, Rosemead Public Library, Calif.