Smoking 101: An Overview for Teens

Children's Literature

Did you know peer pressure, concerns about body weight, and a family background of physical or psychological abuse are common reasons why teens start smoking? Or that in September 2004, a trial opened which resulted in the tobacco industry agreeing to pay $206 billion to forty-six states to be distributed over the course of twenty-five years? Or that three-quarters of people prefer to date someone who does not smoke? This nonfiction text will enlighten young readers about smoking and includes subjects such as smoking and the body, secondhand smoke, advertising, corporate views about tobacco companies, world views on smoking, and some ideas for quitting. Although sometimes preachy about the dangers of smoking, this book would make a nice addition to a health curriculum or middle school library. 2006, Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing Group, Ages 12 up.
—Mindy Hardwick

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-A highly informative and candid overview. The authors offer a straightforward discussion and maintain a direct and nonjudgmental tone. They do not condemn smokers; they put smoking on trial. They look at its tangible effects such as lung cancer, heart attacks, ulcers, and bad breath and also devote space to the intangibles. The authors provide background on many different types of tobacco products, the nature of tobacco advertising, and the industry in this country and worldwide. Readers should come away with a realistic representation of smoking and tobacco-product use and how they affect the body. The visuals are limited to a few charts and graphs and an occasional black-and-white photo or ad. Nonetheless, if you had to purchase one book with an antismoking message, it should be this one. The message is clear, the facts are well-presented, and the tone is insightful. These authors understand the teen audience and how to reach it.-Marcie Mann, Lafayette Jr. Sr. High School, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.