Being in a Gang
Stories from Survivors
From the Series It Happened to Me
Becoming part of a gang happens—but how does it feel when it happens to you?
Being part of a gang is a dangerous and life-changing experience that happens to thousands of young people every year. Discover what it is like to be a gang member through the heartfelt stories of survivors. Learn how it “happened to them,” read their journeys to freedom, and find out more about what causes young people to join gangs in this open, sensitive, and informative exploration.
Sometimes, painful experiences happen. It Happened to Me explores painful life crises that affect many young people through poignant diary entries from composite teens who have experienced these situations, supported by informational text. Every year, more and more young people face life-changing situations, from drug and alcohol abuse to eating disorders, family breakups, and homelessness. Being young has never been more challenging. Using a unique in-their-own words approach, this series will strike a chord with many young people who are struggling with complex issues, and help those around them better understand how and why it has happened to them.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-914383-09-0
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$24.99 | |
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978-1-915153-07-4
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$11.99 | |
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978-1-914383-57-1
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$37.99 |
| Interest Level | Grade 6 - Grade 9 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 6 |
| Genre | Social Studies |
| Category | 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Traditional Nonfiction, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2022 |
| Publisher | Cheriton Children's Books |
| Imprint | Cheriton Children's Books |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 48 |
| Publication Date | 2022-01-01 |
| Text Type | Informational/Explanatory |
|---|---|
| BISACS | JNF053210, JNF030000, JNF053110 |
| Dewey | 303 |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 9.125 |
| Lexile | 1000 |
| ATOS Reading Level | 6.4 |
| Accelerated Reader® Points | 1.0 |
| Features | Author/Illustrator biography, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Glossary words bolded within text, Index, Reviewed, Table of contents, Teaching Guides, and eSource |
Author: Sarah Eason
Sarah Eason has written a wide variety of information books for children on many topics from history and geography through space science and social sciences.
Author: Karen Latchana Kenney
Karen Latchana Kenney is an Indian-Irish author and editor, born near the equator in Guyana, and raised far north in Minnesota. She writes both fiction and nonfiction stories about scientific wonders and discoveries, immigrant and biracial experiences, momentous historical events, and civil rights struggles. Her books have received several starred reviews and have been named a 2025 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist, a 2025 Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards Finalist, a 2023 Mathical Book Prize Honor book, and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. She lives in Minnesota with her designer-musician husband and mathematician–robot-building son, where they explore all the wild places they can find. Find her online at https://www.karenlatchanakenney.com.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
It Happened to Me
Sometimes, painful experiences happen. It Happened to Me explores painful life crises that affect many young people through poignant diary entries from composite teens who have experienced these situations, supported by informational text. Every… View available downloads →
Reviews
School Library Journal
“[S]upplemented with statistics from organizations and experts . . . this series provides important information for research and for creating empathy.”—School Library Journal