Children are aware of their
racial group and differences amongst the races by the
tender age of 3 years. Many black children are first referenced
as black while at school, usually some time between pre-school
and second grade. By this time, most black parents (some
consciously and others unconsciously) have begun the process
of racially socializing their child(ren). (Racial socialization
involves raising physically and emotionally healthy black
children in a society where being black has negative connotations).
A recent study shows that black parents deem building
self-respect and pride concerning their racial identity
an important part of child-rearing. Call Me Black Call
Me Beautiful cleverly addresses the issues of racial awareness,
racial identity, and racial pride for the younger audience.
It will most certainly assist parents (and educators)
in the task of racially socializing the black children
for whom they care.
It has been proven that individuals who are comfortable
with their racial selves and accepting and understanding
of those who are of a different race have healthy self-esteem
levels. Call Me Black Call Me Beautiful not only addresses
the issues of racial identity and racial pride, but it
also addresses the issues of racial awareness and difference.
In essence, Call Me Black Call Me Beautiful is a necessary
tool for healthy self-esteem development in black children
In the story, Call Me Black Call Me Beautiful, Richard
is feeling sad and confused. He can't understand why his
friend Max would call him black when his skin color is
brown. Richard's mommy knows just what to say to make
him feel better. She makes him aware of his blackness
as well as of his beauty. She also helps Richard to understand
that despite his and Max's different skin color they are
both absolutely beautiful!
The story of Richard is assisted with vibrant illustrations
that are full of expression. It is a story that will foster
the inquisitive minds of children, and one that children
will want to read over and over again.
Call Me Black Call Me Beautiful can be ordered by sending
a check or money order (payable to Royal Regal Books)
to Royal Regal Books, P.O. Box 973, Englewood Cliffs,
New Jersey 07632-0973; by fax at 201-227-9854; or by visiting
www.royalregalbooks.com
About the Author
Dr. Alicia Terry Henderson is a child psychotherapist.
She is also a lecturer of ethnocultural issues at the
New York University Shirley M. Ehrenkranz School of
Social Work. She has researched and written about the
social psychological factors related to individual and
black self-esteem development. Call Me Black Call Me
Beautiful is her first children's book, and the first
of her Multicultural Children's Book Series. She resides
in Bergen County, New Jersey with her husband and two
children.
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