Tobacco

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Two overviews that examine the social and physiological effects of the drugs under discussion and look at the political and economic ramifications of their widespread use. Tobacco outlines the findings of the Surgeon General and compares them to the stance taken by the industry. This is followed by a survey of the worldwide market, an outline of the production process, consideration of the economic contributions of the industry, and a discussion of the effects of advertising and sponsorship of athletic events. Smoking as an addiction, its health effects, and the risks of passive smoking complete the presentation. Alcohol is discussed in a historical context, and in terms of customs and religion. Holmes outlines how the various types of beverages are produced; this is followed by an overview of the industry from the farmers to the marketing strategies of various companies. Cultural use, consumption rates, physiological effects, alcoholism, and the problem of alcohol use by minors conclude the discussion. It is evident from the terminology and photographs that both books are British in origin. There is no holding back on comments regarding the role both industry and government play in perpetuating the use of these products. The writing is clear and concise; items of interest within the text are duplicated and boxed, summarizing key ideas. Many full-color and black-and-white photographs are included. More comprehensive in scope than Mary Turck's Alcohol and Tobacco (Crestwood, 1988), these titles will be good additions to most collections. --Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, MI