The Effects of Gangs

Gangs surround the people of Wallace’s world, and the gang members' violent presence affects the lives of the characters on a daily basis. In some cases, the characters feel they have no choice but to join a gang, usually because the gangs provide protection from other gangs. For Wallace and Vega, the gangs cause problems and heartache. However, the gangs also serve to prompt them to find a way to avoid being involved in the gangs on any level.

As the novel opens, Wallace is walking through a busy shopping district and two gang members are following him. Wallace knows that they might be planning to steal his sneakers, which were a gift from his dad for his 12th birthday. Wallace ducks into a store and escapes the two thugs, but they begin to follow him again after he leaves the store...