The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez

Martin Arevalo, or Azael as his gang calls him, is a Salvadoran immigrant's son living in the projects of Houston. He has made a name for himself in the local sect of the infamous MS-13. With his knack for graffiti and his ability to be a strong ally in battle he fits in well with the gang and represents it with pride. However, one day he wakes up in a cot behind bars. To make matters worse, no matter how hard he tries he can't remember how he got there and no one is willing to give him a straight answer. The last things he can recall are vague images from a gang fight in the park. All he knows about his case is that it has something to do with the fight and this girl the prison keeps making him observe while her case gets figured out. Inspired by true events, Azael gives you a fascinating look into the real hardships and consequences of living on the street today.

Reviewed by David Downes