Why Do People Take Drugs

Hodder Children's Books, 2000. Hardcover. Very Good. Grade 5-7-These series titles feature colorful photos, bulleted lists, case -study text boxes, and quotes from individuals about these global problems. In Streets, Stearman begins by asking readers to imagine being homeless an d introduces the idea that there are different levels of homelessness. Seve n chapters discuss its causes, what it's like, available support, and possi ble solutions. The author blames society: poverty, high rents, discriminati ng landlords, etc. Students will find the title a good starting point when examining this complex issue. Older readers may prefer Ted Gottfried's Home lessness (Millbrook, 1999), which focuses on the U.S. In Drugs, Westcott us es straightforward language to identify the differences among certain types of drugs from caffeine to marijuana to cocaine. She discusses the various cultural and individual perceptions people have about drug use, and how law s governing it differ around the world. Several types of illegal drugs are identified, as well as their general effect on people; however, the author points out that a specific reaction to a drug is an individual experience a nd cannot be predicted. Westcott identifies several different reasons why p eople take drugs. She promotes education: the individual must be aware of w hat "you are facing" in order to "plan how to deal with it" and "weigh the pros and cons for yourself"-a view that some may interpret as encouraging e xperimentation.