Many people recognize that gangs have been around for what seems like forever. What they don't realize is that the numbers are growing by astonishing proportions: there were 28,000 youth gangs with 780,200 members in the United States (in 2000) and 20-46% of those members are women (Evans). And what's even more shocking is that in Chicago alone, there are between 16,000 and 20,000 female gang members (Eghigian). These girls start as "groupies", become members, and sometimes even leaders of girl gangs, due to family problems, a need for money, a social life, or simply because that's all they want. know. Allison Abner, who wrote Gangsta Girls, sat down and talked with three girls who have all been in gangs while two still are. These girls speak about themselves and many others who live in isolated neighborhoods, where dropout rates are high, as well as unemployment rates (Abner). They are ready to work hard and succeed, but do not have the opportunity to do so. They often come from troubled and abusive homes and just need something to “fill the void.” »....