Examines juvenile delinquency from a sociological perspective, looking at explanations of delinquency, environmental influences on delinquent behavior, prevention efforts, the justice system and juveniles, recent legislation and court rulings on youthful offenders, and the rights of adolescents. Features boxes with first-person stories from real-life delinquents. Chronic offenders, gang delinquents, and females receive special attention. Includes chapter summaries, key terms and concepts, and discussion questions, plus b&w photos illustrating criminal juveniles. This fifth edition contains new chapters on social reaction theories and on female delinquency. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)