Scorpions

Scorpions is by Walter Dean Myers. It is the multi-cultural realistic fiction story of Jamal, whose brother is in jail for murder. He is being pressured to lead the gang his brother headed before his arrest. He and his friend Tito try to resist the lure of gang culture. When he is given a gun, he finds himself both feared and respected - a heady combination for a young boy. A realistic tale of a young boy who wants to do the right thing but is caught up in a culture of violence. A powerful, and sadly too realistic, read.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity).