After orphaned twelve-year-old Michael Pine, who seems headed for trouble, meets old Lem Gulliver, he finds new purpose as protector of the Lilliputians who live in Lem's back garden, even if that means saving them from one another.
When he returns to Illinois and the gang culture on the south side of Fairfield after six years in Colorado, high school senior Luis Fuentes, who dreams of becoming an astronaut, falls for a girl and enters a dark world after learning some disturbing news about his family.
When wealthy, seemingly perfect Brittany and Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, develop a relationship after Alex discovers that Brittany is not exactly who she seems to be, they must face the disapproval of their schoolmates--and others.
Fifteen-year-old Michelle Pena, born into a powerful Mexican American gang family, tries to reconcile her gangster legacy with the girl she has become--a nationally ranked runner and academic superstar.
Helps teens to understand what violent behavior is, where is occurs, and why; and offers advice on making good choices regarding peer pressure and gang involvement.
Seventeen-year-old Blak, an aspiring rapper whose rhymes shape reality, struggles to cope with the violence and temptations of the street, the machinations of underworld boss Bloko, his nemesis Vulture, and fierce gang rivalries.
The author recounts his growing up in poverty in Los Angeles, his encounters with racism in school and on the streets, and his struggle to overcome prejudice, drugs, and violence.
A one-time tag artist, Nick tries to come to terms with the death of a friend, to protect the brother of his would-be girlfriend, to escape the violence of wealthy New York City prep-school hoods, and to figure out who he really is.
Text and accompanying photographs discuss why kids join gangs, gang life and activities, related drugs and violence, getting out and staying out of gangs, and where to go for help.
