Scorpions (novel)
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| Author | Walter Dean Myers |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Andy Bacha |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Harlem life, gangs |
| Genre | realistic fiction |
| Publisher | Amistad |
|
Publication date
|
1988 |
| Pages | 216 pages |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-447066-7 |
| Preceded by | Fallen Angels |
Scorpions is a young adult novel written by Walter Dean Myers, first published in the United States by Harper & Row on June 20, 1988.
Plot summary
The plot centers around Jamal trying to get his brother, Randy, out of jail. Randy is a 17-year-old who is the leader of the Scorpions, a local gang of drug dealers.
Jamal's family includes himself, his mother, 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 began abusing Jamal's mother until she moved away with her children. 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. His mother soon finds out that his brother has been attacked and stabbed while in jail and is in medical care. Some members of the Scorpions want Jamal to join them. They believe this will help make a connection by having orders directly from Randy to Jamal back to the members; the other members feel through they should just vote on a new leader because they feel Randy is dead to them and that letting a 12-year-old joining a gang would not be beneficial.
