Description
Book SynopsisThis superb, rational, and highly readable volume answers a deeplyfelt need. Parents and educators alike have long struggled tounderstand what meanings race might have for the very young, andfor ways to insure that every child grows up with a healthy senseof self. Marguerite Wright handles sensitive issues with consummateclarity, practicality, and hope. Here we have an indispensableguide that will doubtless prove a classic.
--Edward Zigler, sterling professor of psychology and director,Yale Bush Center in Child Development and Social Policy
A child''s concept of race is quite different from that of an adult.Young children perceive skin color as magical--even changeable--andunlike adults, are incapable of understanding adult predjudicessurrounding race and racism. Just as children learn to walk andtalk, they likewise come to understand race in a series ofpredictable stages.
Based on Marguerite A. Wright''s research and clinical experience,I''m Chocolate, You''re Va
Trade Review"This book is useful for all parents who want their children togrow up with healthy attitudes in a world that uses race toseparate human beings. . . . A worthwhile read."
"This superb, rational, and highly readable volume answers a deeplyfelt need. Parents and educators alike have long struggled tounderstand what meanings race might have for the very young, andfor ways to ensure that every child grows up with a healthy senseof self. Marguerite Wright handles sensitive issues with consummateclarity, practicality, and hope. Here we have an indispensableguide that will doubtless prove a classic." (Edward Zigler, Ph.D.,sterling professor of psychology and director, Yale Bush Center inChild Development and Social Policy)
"Here, at last, is an intelligent, well-researched and provocative,yet also comforting and reassuring book of advice. For parents whoare trying to raise emotionally healthy children in a raciallypolarized world, Marguerite Wright has performed a timely andtremAndous public service." (Clarence E. Page, syndicatedcolumnist, The Chicago Tribune)
"As I read Dr. Wright's book, I was reminded of what it's like topeel an onion. Layer after layer, the book uncovers the complexissues surrounding race and children. With wisdom and compassion,she explains how black and biracial children perceive color andrace. But, most importantly, she gives us guidelines we need toraise healthy and happy children in our race conscious world. Anexcellent primer for parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone whois concerned with the future of our children." (Belva Davis,reporter, KRON-TV, San Francisco)
"In her book, Marguarite Wright uses a wealth of examples from herwork with children and families and offers a creative array ofsuggestions and strategies for raising health black and biracialchildren. This book is a much-needed guide for rearing children ina society that is all too conscious about race." (Tony Paap,president and CEO, Children's Hospital Oakland)
"Finally, a practical and intelligent discussion of a complex issuethat is so frequently misunderstood. All those who want to raisehealthy children who have a positive sense of themselves can gainvaluable lessons from this book." (Pedro Noguera, professor ofeducation, University of California, Berkeley)
"This is simply the best book I've ever read on raising or teachingminority children. It's short . . . filled with memorableobservations and useful advice." (Joe Morris, professor anddirector, School of Psychology, California State University,Northridge)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
Part One: That Magical Place: Race Awareness in the Preschool Years 11
1 Chocolate and Vanilla: How Preschoolers See Color and Race 13
2 How Preschoolers Begin to Learn Racial Attitudes 36
3 When to Be Concerned That Race Is a Problem for Preschoolers 59
4 Raising the Racially Healthy Preschooler 73
Part Two: The Waning of Racial Innocence: The Early School Years 91
5 Shades of Brown and Black: How Early Grade-Schoolers See Color and Race 93
6 Black Children’s Self-Esteem: The Real Deal 123
7 How School Influences Children’s Awareness of Color and Race 147
Part Three: Reality Bites: Race Awareness in Middle Childhood and Adolescence 173
8 Fading to Black and White: How Children in the Middle Years See Race 175
9 How School Influences Older Children’s Ideas About Race 197
10 Preparing for Adolescence: The Lines Are Drawn 218
11 A Healthy High School Experience: You Can Make a Difference 239
Epilogue 261
Appendix: Stages of Race Awareness 265
Notes 269
About the Author 281
Index 283
