Winning the War Against Youth Gangs - by Valerie Wiener (Hardcover)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

?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 guide for teenagers, their families, and impacted communities addresses the youth gang issue in understandable, manageable terms.?-Family Therapy

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

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

"This Ýis a¨ useful and eye-opening guide for teenagers, as well as general audiences."-Pennsylvania School Librarian's Association

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

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

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

"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

About the Author

VALERIE WIENER is a State Senator from Nevada. She has been actively involved with youth and youth communications projects since the early 1970s and is the author of Gang Free: Friendship Choices for Today's Youth.