Barrio Gangs is an excellent exploration of the reasons young people gravitate toward street gangs, as well as an accurate, empathic view of the day-to-day reality these young people face. It has enhanced my understanding of the "at risk" children with whom I work, and I recommend it frequently to others in the field of counseling. It is scholarly, yet reflects the author's clear committment to the need to understand these youngsters. A fine source for all those interested in the culture of streetgangs. (I believe that many of the insights the author shares with regard to Latino streetgangs are also applicable to streetgangs of different ethnicities.)