Customer Reviews

Gangs and Self-Esteem (Tookie Speaks Out Against Gang Violence)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a literacy professional and a volunteer in the Alternatives to Violence Project, I had serious questions about the Tookie books until I offered"Gangs and Self Esteem" to a incarcerated student, who read it with an intensity I had not seen before. He asked again and again where he could buy it - something I'd also never seen. I think these books are valuable. The author has credibility. The concepts and information they provide are important and the repetitions serve to underline them.The situations provoke personal stories & discussion which can be used to extend into personal writing and journals. I do think the publishers have make big mistakes. They have altered "street speech" into standard English. The photos are inappropriate and full of stereotypes. The age level seems all o ver the place. I agree that they are not for teens, but the simplicity of the language IS appropriate for older students with reading problems. I suggested to my student that he write Tookie with his ideas. In my opinion, the book company is trying to market these books to every age and condition of kids - and I wish Tookie could have more say about his audience and tailor the design decisions to them. I don't like the "pronunciation helps" in parentheses, or the "glossary". This was really "talking down". And I do think Tookie could write us a book designed for more literate kids. But hats off to everybody involved in publishing somthing we really need, even if it's not perfect.

This book is a great resource for youth in our trouble times. The best teachers are those who lived that experince, and NOT those on the peace officer side. If your youth is going down that road or live in that urban area where youth are not directed, then get a copy and pass it on.

I do not have to ask my students to read these books, they ask me IF I will let them read them! I have seven of this series, as well as his autobiographical "Life in Prison". We have been reading the books and looking up current information on the internet. The students are learning much from Tookie's mistakes and are pledging to not follow in his footsteps. I am hopeful that this is a lesson they will carry with them throughout life.

I find it interesting that the author would make such a wonderful effort to help children, after having murdered parents. I wonder if he sent autographed free copies to the children of the people he murdered.

I also find it interesting, that in over 20 years on death row, he was only able to write a handful of "children's books".

That these books would find their way into our public school systems, where this man takes on the role of Martyr and Folk Hero, speaks volumes about our schools.

The book is as shallow as the man who wrote it.

I am a gang and youth violence expert working with the San Diego County Office of Education, Safe Schools Unit. I have alerted many of our schools about the series of books by Stanley "Tookie" Williams. I do not recommend the purchase of this book. The content of the books are not appropriate for young people. The images of gangs are not accurate (Too much negative sterotyping). The book is written in a simplistic style that will quickly bore young students. Youth need to critically examine information not be talked down to. You may email me for alternate suggestions for gang prevention books for youth.