Gangs and Wanting to Belong

by Stanley Tookie Williams, Barbara Cottman Becnel

A founder of the Crips discusses gangs, debunking the notion that belonging to a gang is the only way a kid can "fit in"

24 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Stanley Tookie Williams III was a leader of the Crips, a notorious American street gang which had its roots in South Central Los Angeles in 1969.
In 1979 he was convicted of four murders committed in the course of robberies, sentenced to death, and eventually executed. Once incarcerated, he authored several books, including anti-gang and anti-violence literature and children's books.

Reviews

[Andrei Titov · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was ordering this one (to Russia) I expected more than several pages (10 text pages, around 90 words on each) of simple phrases like "violence is bad", "don't hang around with evil kids" and so on. This is REALLY small and poor piece of writing. I admit that problem might be in me and my expectations after reading articles about famous repented ex-gang member, but returning to it's purpose I don't believe that elementary sentences like this and a couple of photos could prevent children's anger and feeling of isolation. This area in need of much deeper and delicate approach, at least some more than "this is good and this is bad" bases should be provided.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

what are the strengths of this book?
I think the strengths of this book is the message it conveys to be true to yourself and make good choices because wrong choices have bad consequences.

Tell me more about one of those qualities above. why do you feel this way?
I think his character development was excellent because he grew up and had a change of mind, and even though his life was cut short he still had an opportunity to change and change he did.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series of eight. This series is good for young children that want to belong. The story relates to any child that wants to fit in. Children in gang related situations may think the gang life is cool but this story shows that even though you want to belong you have to make good choices.

[Alexis Meza · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think that this book is really good and it fits anyone anywhere in the world. because somewhere out there kids/adults feel alone. people that do not feel wanted by their families. so they find somewhere to go and find friends that makes them do bad things and they do it just to fit in and b liked.