"Chesney-Lind and Hagedorn provide us with a much needed view into the lives of girls in gangs. All too often either ignored, seen as appendages of boys and their gangs, and demonized by the media, girl gangs are one of the most under-studied, misunderstood, and "unheard" populations. This book provides us with a richness of description and an abundance of varied analyses about the lives of girls and young women from marginalized communities--too often poor communities of color. It does so through along needed treatment that is sensitive to the life experiences and broader social, economic, racial, and political contexts within which girls in gangs operate--for better and for worse. For anyone concerned about young people in our society--both young women and young men--this book is a 'must.'"

"For decades, gang researchers have ignored and trivialized female gangs, but for the girls who join them, the experience is anything but trivial. This book goes a long way towards rectifying that neglect. By assembling the wide range of perceptions and analyses of female gangs, the editors make glaringly obvious the huge gaps in our knowledge. This book should provide a major stimulus for general readers as well as researchers to take another, and better-informed look at this serious social problem."

"A long overdue collection of scholarship on female gangs and female gang members, this volume challenges many of the myths and stereotypes that have characterized much of the literature and allows the reader to meet the subjects "up close and personal." Must reading for everyone seeking to have an informed and balanced perspective on the "other" gangs in America and what can be done to help these young women meet their needs."