This informational book on tobacco is part of a series of three interactive books on tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana; three informational books containing parallel content; and three teacher guides designed to give students in grades five through eight practice in using the information and skills presented in the books. The goal of this book and the accompanying interactive book and teacher guide is to prevent tobacco use by preadolescents. This book discusses the physical and psychological effects of smoking and chewing tobacco and explains why young people should avoid the use of tobacco products. It tells what is wrong with tobacco, gives reasons why some adults say they smoke, explains the meaning of addiction, tells why some people quit smoking, and discusses health problems from tobacco. It explains why some young people start to smoke or use tobacco products, considers tobacco and advertising, notes that many young people never want to start smoking, and describes how people begin to smoke. The book concludes by explaining to students that the decision to smoke is their decision and that they have a choice. (NB)