Winning the War Against Youth Gangs: A Guide for Teens, Families, and Communities [Hardcover]

Valerie Wiener (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313308195 | ISBN-13: 978-0313308192 | Publication Date: November 30, 1999

Gangs have spread throughout the entire sector of society, and what was once viewed as an inner-city problem can now be found everywhere, including suburbia. This guide for teenagers, their families, and impacted communities addresses the youth gang issue in understandable, manageable terms. Quotes from teens themselves provide valuable insight into the problems that can cause kids to join gangs: absent parents, the need for excitement or to belong to a group, following in the footsteps of family members who are involved in gangs. These factors and others are explored (including an examination of the workings of the adolescent mind), and sound solutions are suggested to help kids resist gang membership. Four distinct sections bring into focus the topic of youth gangs and ways to prevent kids from joining them. Part I describes many basic issues and needs all teens and pre-teens have in common and how these relate to gangs. Part II addresses how and why certain young people enter and sometimes exit gang alliances. Part III focuses on how several integral components of the teen's life and community can work together to resolve youths' involvement with gangs. Part IV analyzes the critical influence of families and the teens themselves as they approach important life choices. Wiener's unique approach includes suggestions and comments from the young people themselves to try to bridge the gap between themselves and the adults in their lives.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-Wiener builds her case in four sections. "Resolving Basic Needs" addresses self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-respect. The importance of choosing healthy peer groups and friends is also discussed. "The Gang Life" begins with a short history of gangs in America, talks about the different types that exist, and explains their structure. Important to this section is the listing of risk factors that cause kids to look for the protection and sense of belonging they find in a gang. The violence and illegal activities of this way of life are emphasized. "Winning the War Through Collaboration" is packed with credible solutions involving community commitment, law enforcement, schools, and the media. (Unfortunately, Wiener does not include any constructive suggestions for funding these necessary and viable programs.) The most practical information comes in "Family and Child," which looks at the modern family and offers advice to both adults (e.g., learn to distinguish between behavior and identity; pay attention to successes, not just to failures) and teens (recognize the need for societal rules, take responsibility for your actions). The author's inclusion of student responses to her research survey throughout the book seems unnecessary. Frequently, they are not valuable and their connection is vague (a survey is appended). Still, this volume is useful for reports and as an instruction manual for those working with young people.
Joanne K. Cecere, Highland High School, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“This volume is useful for reports and as an instruction manual for those working with young people.”–School Library Journal

“This guide for teenagers, their families, and impacted communities addresses the youth gang issue in understandable, manageable terms.”–Family Therapy

“In clear, youthful language, Weiner presents a thoughtful, well-organized, yet chilling view of the state of youth gangs in today's culture. She not only offers a grim, realistic assessment of the current role of gangs in the United States but also gives hope for the future with a menu of reasonable solutions that concentrate on rescue and prevention.”–VOYA

“This [is a] useful and eye-opening guide for teenagers, as well as general audiences.”–Pennsylvania School Librarian's Association

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (November 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313308195
• ISBN-13: 978-0313308192
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,544,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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