Scorpions (novel)

"Scorpions" is a children's novel written by Walter Dean Myers, first published in the United States by Harper Collins on June 20, 1988 (ISBN 0-06-024364-3).

Plot summary

The novel tells the story of a 12 year old boy (Jamal Hicks) from Harlem who is having a hard time in life. Jamal is having a hard time at school, home, and in the streets. The only person he can count on is his best friend Tito.

The main problem in his life is trying to get his brother, Randy, out of jail. Randy is a 17 year old who is the leader of the "Scorpions" gang. The gangs motive is to make money by selling cocaine.

His family includes himself, Mama, his 8 year old sister Sassy, Randy, and his father, Jevon Hicks. Jamal's father used to be an alcoholic after losing his job and started being mean to Mama until she moved away from him with the kids. This happened while Jamal was very young. Now Jamal's father only comes to visit the family once in a while. The story starts out with Jamal and his family thinking that Randy needs only $500 for his appeal. Then the next morning, Jamal's Mama tells Jamal that Randy says to go see Mack. Mama does not like the boy because he is on crack and thinks he caused Randy to kill the delicatessen owner. She keeps warning Jamal about Mack. When Jamal meets Mack, Mack tells Jamal to be the leader of the Scorpions and finds out the appeal is really $2,000. The second time Jamal meets Mack, Mack gives him a gun. At school, Jamal is having a tough time with the principal, Mr. Davidson. The teachers are giving him trouble, and Dwayne is giving him trouble. In the book, he fights Dwayne twice and threatens Dwayne with a gun in the second fight. The gun causes several bad occasions, ultimately causing Jamal's best friend Tito to be sent back to Puerto Rico.

This book should be used for grade 7 and up.