Black Girls and Adolescents - by Catherine Collins (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

This one-of-a kind book challenges the current thinking about black girls to show how America has failed them--and what can be done to make their lives better.

African American girls are one of the United States' most endangered populations, yet meaningful explorations of the issues that impact their lives are almost nonexistent. In this riveting book, led by one of the African American community's best-known scholars, experts from across the nation explain the risks, challenges, and influences--both good and bad--faced by black girls and teens. The work shows how our society is failing them, and it outlines what can and should be done to help these young women lead happier, healthier, more successful lives.

The book covers a wide range of concerns, including obesity, substance abuse, sex trafficking, gangs, teen pregnancy, and suicide attempts. Stress, low self-esteem, anger, aggression, and violence are explored, as are failures of our education system and of a legal system that tends to victimize young black women. A substantial section on parenting and mentoring discusses ways to counter the negative influences that are a constant for many black girls and adolescents. It is time for American society to recognize and react to the realities these young women face, making this book a must-read for caring parents, teachers, nurses, guidance counselor, doctors, school administrators, and school board members.

Review Quotes

"Many of the essays not only describe risks and dangers but also provide ideas for prevention and improvement based on statistical evidence. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries." --Choice

"Overall, Black Girls and Adolescents reflects an effort to raise awareness of the plight of today's African American girls. In doing so, the contributors succeed in raising an alarm of the ills facing African American girls." --PsycCRITIQUES

About the Author