Gr 8-10 These conveniently organized, user-friendly volumes cater to reluctant readers and feature objective overviews; large-type primary-source quotes; and a number of brightly colored maps, charts, and graphs. Berne explores whether methamphetamine usage in the U.S. has reached epidemic proportions, its dangers, the link between addiction and crime, and abuse prevention. Egendorf cites the dangers of heroin and addresses abuse prevention, the effectiveness of treatments, and whether its use should be decriminalized or legalized. Nakaya covers marijuana-related health issues, the drug’s effect on society, and legalization issues including medicinal usage. End matter is above average with source notes, related organizations, a chronology, and an annotated listing of key people and advocacy groups. Since many series titles cover similar information in a similar format on all three drugs, purchase to update or fill holes in collections.
