Scorpions

Synopsis
Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers, is the story of Jamal - a twelve-year-old African American boy living in Harlem.  When Jamal's older brother goes to jail for murder, Jamal has to decide if he wants to follow in his brother's footsteps and become the leader of his brother's gang, the Scorpions.


Idea for Lesson Plan
If I used his novel for a unit in literature, I would focus on several themes throughout the book.  One theme in particular would be friendship.  I would have my students analyze the relationship between Jamal and Tito, and then write an essay on whether or not their relationship with healthy or toxic by giving examples that support their claim.

Critique
Jamal, the main character, is a twelve-year-old boy who lives in Harlem with his over-worked mother, and younger sister.  Jamal tries to do the right thing, but is heavily influenced by his neighborhood.  Everyday Jamal is surrounded by violence, drugs, and poverty; elements that make it nearly impossible for him to escape.
The novel opens in Jamal's home while he is waiting with his sister for their mother to come home from work.  Through dialogue and 3rd person narration, the reader enters Jamal's world.
When Jamal is first introduced to Mack, Jamal believes that he must become the leader of the Scorpions in order to get his brother out of jail.  But, as the novel progresses, Jamal discovers the dangers involved in gang life.  Jamal must decide what is more important, protection or personal respect.
Throughout the book, many themes emerge, including: bullying, friendship, single parent homes, gangs, violence, drugs, and guns.  The theme that pervades throughout Scorpions is the importance of making decisions that will benefit you and those about you.  Jamal is tested daily and has to make decisions that will either benefit himself or the gang.  Jamal must come to the conclusion as to which is more important, himself and family, or the gang.
Myers uses African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in dialogue throughout the novel.  Through this use of language, the authenticity of the characters is kept intact.  The reader develops an honest picture of Jamal and his surroundings from the use of AAVE.
Scorpions is an honest look into the life of a poor, inner city youth and the daily struggles he encounters.  This text would be very helpful in furthering a discussion on one of the many pervading themes throughout.  I highly recommend the use of this novel inside and outside the classroom.

 Scorpions. ISBN-13: 978-0-06-447066-7. Walter Dean Myers. 1988. Newbery Honor Award. Age 14-18. African American Fiction.