Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Steroids. Edited by Stefan Kiesbye. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 1 vol. 147 p. $36.20. ISBN 10: 0-7377-3709-3; 13: 978-0-7377-3709-7.

This book opens with "Anabolic steroids were developed in the late 1930s primarily to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes do not produce sufficient testosterone for normal growth, development and sexual functioning." During this time, it was found to help the growth of skeletal muscle, a boon to athletes. Unfortunately, it seems a sure way for building strength in young men and some young women who begin using this drug with the encouragement of coaches and even parents who were interested their being successful at sports. Few know the potential effects, or if they do, may decide they will escape them. The four chapters organize the articles reproduced here under "What Are Steroids and Why Are They Used?" "Steroids in Sports," "Perspectives on Steroid Use" and "How Should Society Deal with Steroid Use?" This book may be just one more on your shelf, but middle and high school students should be studying this topic and making comparison among different information resources so that they can see the potential for harm to their bodies.