Abena feels hopeless and alone when her classmates begin to ridicule her for the way she looks. Despite positive reinforcements from her parents, Abena chooses to believe what her peers tell her; that she is “ugly.” No Mistake: Journey to Self-Acceptance is a story of a little girl’s journey from low self-esteem to learning self-love, even when her peers continue to reject her. At the end of the story, the author provides a self-help Discovery Guide, featuring thought-provoking questions and exercises related to the story. No Mistake began as a short story for youth, inspired by a disturbing documentary (A Girl Like Me, by Kiri Davis), which brings attention to how an alarming number of modern-day Black children continue to see themselves as racially inferior. Although this story is about a little Black girl overcoming cruelty and ridicule from her own kind through learning to love herself, the universal theme of self-acceptance resonates with ALL ages and ethnicities, males and females. Whether a child is being victimized or is being the "bully," the purpose of this book is to raise questions for self-discovery and positive transformation.
Wonderful book about blocking negativity and learning to love yourself. This book was a jewel of a read with so many different ways to open discussions from bullying, to respect, to accepting who you are. Abena is a sweet little girl who's growing awareness of the negative comments of former playmates begins to sour her demeanor. Where she used to find pleasure in her African roots, now she resents anything about her culture. Her grandmother tells her stories about her own youth, as well as quotes her pastor, that "God doesn't make mistakes." She stresses the lesson that we have to find peace and happiness with who we are. Abena shakes off her resentments and when she goes to school the next day, she encounters another girl who faces similar problems. She passes along her lesson, and the girls find their happy place. Washington writes clearly, without sentimentality, but with bright dialog and great visuals. I felt like a fly on the wall in Abena's bedroom. This book transcends race, creed, or nationality. Any educator can broaden a discussion to encompass all types of prejudice. Whether it's body type, a physical challenge, or a person's background, intolerance hurts, ignorance is dangerous, and bigotry is a weapon that loses it's barb when a person is armored with self confidence.
I read your book and I know I cannot do justice in expressing the many ways that it touched me - but it did deeply affect me.You did a beautiful, age appropriate job of explaining what is at the root of bullying, how one has a choice of how it will affect them, and then giving specific ideas of how to deal with it in a way that is positive for one's self. I wish that I had your book growing up - I was over weight most of my childhood and got teased a lot about that, (By the way, I grew up in the South, specifically New Orleans in the 50's, 60's and 70's, so I did live through these turbulent times. However, not being Black, my experience was very different. Luckily I was raised in a very liberal, open-minded family, which was quite a different home environment then a great deal of children in those times in the South.) Your story is one that children can easily identify with. I was able to relate to all of the characters in your story on some level. You did an incredible job of character development for such a short book. Your book is so well thought out and your message so clearly communicated. You truly are a gifted writer!Your lesson is a crucial one and your book a valuable tool for parents and educators. I would be proud to display your book at book events where I feel that your book would be a good fit. Thank you so much for writing this book and signing and sending me a copy. I will do what I can to help you get your important message out into the world.
Chandra Washington, Author of No Mistake: Journey to Self-Acceptance, in cooperation with Women and Their Work present the public forum, EXACTLY As You Are: Cultivating Self-Love and Compassion in Our Youth. Inspired by the book, a panel consisting of Washington and 2 other contemporaries will address how concepts of beauty and other systemic notions manage to permeate the minds of the very young, and invite suggestions as to how to arrest and alleviate these preconceived notions. Copies of No Mistake will be available for purchase. For Details, visit THIS LINK: http://www.womenandtheirwork.org/upcoming_exhibitions.html?itemid=1273
Author Chandra Washington will present her book No Mistake: Journey to Self-Acceptance in the 11th Annual Texas Author Day in San Marcos, Texas, at the San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., 2 - 5 pm. For Details, visit THIS LINK: http://www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/index.aspx?page=196
