Murder! It's Christmas Day and Jose's brother lies dead on the street. Shot - by a member of his own gang. Jose's father is an abusive alcoholic who terrorizes his wife and children. Luis, leader of the Treces gang, approaches Jose and promises to make his life better so he can take care of his family. Jose is a teen and would like nothing better than to become a real man even if it means joining a gang. He discovers how hard the initiation is, how dangerous his life becomes and how often he is betrayed. He is forced to sell drugs and finds himself in constant fear, but he promises to remain a gang member forever. Join Jose in this turbulent coming of age novel, as Too Young to Die builds to an explosive conclusion.