Scorpions — Walter Dean Myers

Jamal Hicks is having a hard time in school, what with Dwayne always pushing him to fight and the principal, Mr. Davidson, always on his case. He has a tough time at home, too, worrying about how hard Mama works and trying to get money for an appeal for Randy, his older brother, who is in jail. And he has a hard time on the street, with the Scorpions.

Randy was the leader of the Scorpions, and he wants Jamal to take his place until he gets out; but the Scorpions, especially Angel and Indian, don't like the idea very much. The only one who likes it is Mack. It's Mack who gives Jamal the gun....