Steroids describes these natural and artificial chemical hormones, their functions in the human body, and their use in the treatment of certain diseases. It also makes it clear that these substances can have negative, even toxic effects. The author details societal response and urges stricter penalties for sellers, intensive educational programs for students and teachers, and a vigorous campaign of random drug testing in high schools. While this title contains much excellent information for reports, the writing style is deadly dull. Scientific and statistical presentations go on and on. Case histories of users, which should be interesting, fail to create empathy due to flat, emotionless prose. John Langone's Tough Choices (Little, 1995) has a concise section on the subject. Heroin reviews the history of this highly addictive opiate. Woods describes its chemical composition, its preparation, and manner of use. She delinates societal effects that include the takeover of manufacture and distribution by organized crime, gang warfare, the destruction of neighborhoods, and soaring health costs to care for addicts. This title is a good update to Fred Zachon and William E. McAulyfe's Heroin (Chelsea, 1991). Both books have ``Questions for Discussion'' sections following each chapter and adequate black-and-white charts and photographs.
From School Library Journal