Author and speaker Julie Bonn Heath has announced the release of her newest book, Dangerous Comrades: A Misadventure in Gang Affiliation", a novel for ages 8-adult that teaches the importance of avoiding gang membership.

Heath has a heart for youth involved in gang lifestyles. Her first job out of college was counseling at a group home for convicted youth felons. Over eighty percent of the youth were gang affiliated and Heath realized that education was essential in teaching young people about the dangers of gangs.

(PRWEB) February 9, 2004 --Meet Dani Winters, whos quest for friends in a new town leads her to Slick, M-Dog, Pepper and Shy, members of the areas most influential gang. They provide loyal friendship and even give her money when she needs it. Theyre the only friends Dani has and she enjoys their seemingly naïve antics as much as their companionship.

But the gangs actions dont stay innocent forever. How does Dani respond when they finally offer her drugs, a chance to be one of them and eventually invite her along on a crime spree? Will Dani get out in time to avoid helping her friends seek revenge on a rival gang for their assault on Slick? Is Dani able to find her spiritual and emotional ground again after the gang members specifically target and hurt her? Can she heal the cavern that grows larger between her and her parents because of her actions?

REVIEWS:
As a former gang member, Im pleased to have had the opportunity to review this well written, cutting edge book on the inside picture of the gang life. Included are the subtleties of the deception to get one 'in, the family like feeling, and the betrayal.

This is a must read for all preteen and teenage youth. Parents can also definitely benefit from reading this book. If families read and discuss Dangerous Comrades: A Misadventure in Gang Affiliation, I believe that more kids will refrain from choosing gang affiliation. If youre a youth leader...your group will also benefit from reading this book!

Dangerous Comrades is also a great tool to help parents and youth leaders learn. Many may not understand what makes gang life so appealing and the true dangers that hide within a gang." Denae Zamora; former gang member; Out of Egypt Ministries

"Dangerous Comrades provides a 'safe place' for kids to experience how easy it is to be influenced in the wrong direction without having to actually walk through it themselves. It's a great look into the struggle to make right choices and a springboard for parents and children to discuss preventative measures to safeguard them from being in similar difficult situations." Pastor Dave Kennedy, Christ the Rock Community Church, Port Orchard, WA.

Seventy-five percent of the gang members Heath interviewed in her research indicated that if theyd really understood the consequences of their affiliation, theyd have reconsidered joining, or never joined at all. The realization hit me hard," Heath says, I knew that until someone clearly spoke to young people of the specific issues of affiliation and provided them with the family environment that they were seeking, that many would continue to turn to gangs. Ten years ago there wasnt much anti gang education out there and there still isnt a lot today. Kids need to learn gang avoidance as much as drug avoidance. If we as parents and educators dont teach it, someone irresponsible will and could even recruit our children in the process."

Dangerous Comrades: A Misadventure in Gang Affiliation" (ISBN# 1-4137-0844-7) can be ordered (wholesale) through Ingram Distributors/Spring Arbor or the publisher at (301) 695-1707 and (retail) through major on-line book retailers or through your favorite bookstore. A portion of the books proceeds will be used to develop gang education curriculum that can be used in classrooms, youth groups or for individual students.

Heath is available for interviews, book signings and gang education workshops. Contact her through her website at www.juliebonnheath.com