Opposing Viewpoints Digests - Gangs (hardcover edition) [Hardcover]

Gail B. Stewart (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Opposing Viewpoints Digests

What encourages gang behavior? Are gangs a serious problem? How can gangs and the illegal activity they engage in be controlled? These are just some of the issues covered in this provocative book.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 UpABrief articles offering contrasting viewpoints address three questions: "How Serious a Problem Are Gangs in the United States?" "What Factors Encourage Gang Behavior?" and "How Can Gangs Be Eliminated?" Each chapter is a summation of research culled from books, interviews, and articles. Stewart does a fine job of presenting the information in a concise, straightforward format. She maintains her objectivity throughout and succeeds in giving equal time to both sides. The information is general enough to be of use to readers with no background on the subject. Occasional black-and-white photographs, cartoons, and graphs reinforce the text. One appendix includes lists of facts and statistics about gangs; another offers extensive summaries of documents related to the subject. The book concludes with a list of study questions, suggestions for further reading, and a thorough subject index. Students will find the material thoughtfully organized, well presented, and easy to access. A book for most collections.AEdward Sullivan, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This offering will be useful to collections needing material on the topic."
-- School Library Journal (September 2002) (School Library Journal 20020401)

"Source notes, a glossary, and a briefly annotated bibliography complete a succinct, balanced presentation that can serve as a good starting point for both research and discussion."
-- Booklist (June 2002) (Booklist 20020401)

"Facts, statistics, and other information are interwoven with personal examples in a way that lets readers associate the material with their own circumsances."
-- The Book Report (March-April 2002) (Book Report )

"The book's strength lies in helping youth understand and examine their choices as they face the realities of everyday life. Teachers, counselors, and parents will find the series helpful in opening dialogues and discussions on these difficult topics."
-- The Book Report (March-April 2002) (Book Report ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Greenhaven Press; 1 edition (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565107519
• ISBN-13: 978-1565107519
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,376,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, January 30, 2001

By 

luz maria armendariz (ANIMAS,NM USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gangs (Other America) (Library Binding)

I'm a 17-year-old who started reading this book for my literature class and I thought it is a very informative book for teenagers. The book informs you of everything you want to know; it has a lot of good details. The book quotes exactly what the interviewers say. It gives an opportunity to those teens in gangs to explain why they join, what they feel, and what they want. This is a great book and I can read it more than 5 times and I won't get bored. I really recomend this book to everyone. It should be a "must read" book on every teen's list.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great volume in the series, November 25, 2005

By 

Charles Sutherland (Indy, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opposing Viewpoints Digests - Gangs (paperback edition) (Hardcover)

The Opposing Viewpoints series is a good series for students and others who are working on some of the hot button issues of today. Each volume contains essays and articles that explore the issues thoroughly from several different angles. Sometimes there are two clear sides, but sometimes it is a bit more nuanced.

This particular volume deals with the Gangs. The issues explored within the volume include the level of the problem in the United States; is this in fact a serious problem or one that is heighted by the media? Are gangs active outside major urban areas? The factors that influence gang membership are explored, including family issues, respect and self-esteem issues, and desire for money. The various palns for eliminating or reigning in gang activity are explored, including the idea that gangs themselves can be brought to end the violence by themselves.

Overall, this is a very good beginners book to the issue. It helps to set the guidelines for debate and discussion. There is an appendix with facts and statistics about the gangs and gang activities, study questions, further reading suggestions and an index. The author, Gail B. Stewart, has written over 80 books for children and young adults on a wide range of topics.