Gangs

Essential Issues

by Hal Marcovitz

This title examines one of the world's critical issues, gangs. Readers will learn the historical background of this issue, leading up to its current and future impact on society. Early U.S. gangs, such as the Mafia, are discussed, as well as the formation of large gangs throughout the country, in both urban and rural areas. Violent gang rivalry is discussed, as well as law enforcement related to gang activity. Reasons young people join gangs are addressed, and programs for at-risk youth are covered. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and color photographs present information realistically, leaving readers with a thorough, honest interpretation of gangs. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Issues is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

ebook

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Hal Marcovitz has been making his living as a writer for more than a quarter-century. He has worked as a reporter and columnist for several daily newspapers, and can now be found reporting for The Morning Call of Allentown, PA, where he covers government and politics in the Bucks County Courthouse in suburban Philadelphia.

Hal is also the author of more than 50 nonfiction books for young readers. He has written biographies of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, civil rights leader Al Sharpton, farm labor leader Cesar Chavez, and film director Ron Howard. He has also written about the lives of several presidents, including Bill Clinton, John Adams, James Monroe, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.

Hal lives in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Gail, and daughters Ashley and Michelle.