STAYING FOCUSED, INFORMED AND HOPEFUL pot

Holly Robinson Peete:
Her Family's Journey
with Autism
A Community
That Gets It:
On the Ground in…
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What’s In Season
for Winter
Talking with kids about
the economy, money &
unemployment
Between The Covers:
Culturally Responsive
Literature for Young
Hands and Minds
Recipe: Taco Soup
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ChildHEALTHTALK
A
ctress, author, activist and
philanthropist Holly Robinson
Peete visited the National Black
Child Development Institute’s 40th
anniversary conference in Anaheim, CA
this past November to talk about her
family’s journey with autism. With grace
and humor, Robinson Peete engaged the
audience of over 600 people in a
presentation and discussion about how
her family has come together since her son R.J.’s
diagnosis of autism more than 10 years ago.
It wasn’t – and isn’t – easy. Robinson Peete spoke
candidly about the initial denial that she and her
husband, Rodney Peete, a former NFL football player,
experienced upon hearing the diagnosis, and the toll it
had taken on their marriage. She spoke about the
challenges of R.J.’s non-verbal years and the difficulty of
navigating social relationships. But more than despair,
Robinson Peete focused on the hope and optimism with
which their family approached this journey and the
supportive network they have formed for R.J.
His twin sister, Ryan, for example, co-wrote a book

entitled “My Brother
Charlie,” to share the sibling’s
perspective, and because, as
Robinson Peete noted, “no
such book existed for us in
1999.” Ryan and her mom,
however, aren’t the only
authors in the family. Rodney
Peete also wrote a book called
“Not My Boy,” to help share
the often-overlooked father’s
perspective, and the challenges that come with learning
to change “the idea of who you thought you were going
to have for a son.”
Inspirational though it was to hear her story, Robinson
Peete’s presentation went beyond her family. As she
noted, 1 in 110 children in America will be diagnosed
with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
this year – which includes 1 in 70 boys.
Indeed, more children are diagnosed with
autism than AIDS, juvenile diabetes and
cancer combined. And in a situation
where early intervention is key to
successful treatment, African American
children are diagnosed, on average, 2-5
years later than children of other races.
Do you have questions about autism?
There are many resources out there to help.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention (CDC) tells us that autism spectrum disorders

(ASDs) affect each person in different ways. People with
ASDs share some similar symptoms, such as difficulties
with social interaction, but there are differences in when
the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact
nature of the symptoms.
If you are concerned about your child, or about a child
that you work with, here are some “red flags” that a
person with an ASD might display:
• Not respond to their name by 12 months of age
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an
airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll)
by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or
talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound,
smell, taste, look, or feel
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STAYING FOCUSED,
INFORMED AND HOPEFUL
Holly Robinson Peete Speaks About Autism
in Her Family, and In America
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your child’s
doctor, and share your concerns. If you or the doctor is
still concerned, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist
who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child,
such as:
• Developmental Pediatricians (doctors who have
special training in child development and children
with special needs)
• Child Neurologists (doctors who work on the brain,
spine, and nerves)
• Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists (doctors who
know about the human mind)
At the same time, call your state’s public early childhood
system to request a free evaluation to find out if your
child qualifies for intervention services. You do not need
to wait for a doctor’s referral to make this call.
• If your child is not yet 3 years old, contact your local
early intervention system, which you can find by
calling the National Dissemination Center for
Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) at 1-800-695-
0285 or by visiting www.nichcy.org.
• If your child is 3 years old or older, contact your local
public school system and ask to speak with someone
who can help you have your child evaluated.
Resources

There is some conflicting and confusing information
about autism and its causes. NBCDI, in keeping with
decades of scientific evidence, does not believe that there
is a link between autism and vaccination, but we have
included links to organizations that come from a range of
different positions and perspectives:
HollyRod Foundation
/>CDC – Autism Spectrum Disorder
/>Autism Science Foundation
/>Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org
Autism Society of America
www.autism-society.org
■
NBCDI MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Become a NBCDI Member today for as little as $35 and
help give every child a chance! NBCDI members
include people who share a commitment to the positive
development of children and youth, regardless of race,
religion, gender, or creed. NBCDI memberships can be
o
btained by contacting NBCDI. Visit our website at
www.nbcdi.org for more membership information and
to learn about the programs of NBCDI.
Become part of the NBCDI family and help us to improve
and protect the lives of our children.
As a member of the America’s Charities federation,
NBCDI is eligible to receive your charitable contribution
from the Combined Federal Campaign (#11574) or
state and local employee campaigns.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Child Health Talk is produced by the National Black
Child Development Institute (NBCDI).
A subscription to NBCDI’s newsletter will comprise four
issues of Child Health Talk. Send your request to: Child
Health Talk, 1313 L Street, NW, Suite 110, Washington,
DC 20005. Subscriptions: $8.00 per year
The photographs used in NBCDI’s publications are
intended to highlight the beauty and diversity of
children in a variety of settings. Unless specifically
noted otherwise, the photographs come from NBCDI’s
library of stock photos, and the children do not
represent the topic discussed in the text.
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NBCDI is a member of
Staying Focused, Informed and Hopeful continued from page 3
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A
t the heart of Milwaukee’s central city lies
Metcalfe Park, where over 60 percent of families
live below the poverty line. Here, African-
American children and families experience
overwhelmingly poor health outcomes, with the greatest
health disparities compared to any other community in
the Milwaukee area. Faced with these obstacles, Metcalfe
Park community members have decided to take their

health into their own hands, reaching out to several core
partners for support, including the Black Child
Development Institute-Milwaukee, the Children’s
Hospital of Wisconsin, and the Next Door Foundation.
Founded over 40 years ago, the Next Door Foundation
serves more than 2,150 children, youth and parents each
year through a range of early childhood
education, after-school, parenting, home-
visiting, adult education, literacy and health
programs. The Next Door Foundation is
committed to the idea that “a child who isn’t
healthy can’t learn,” which has led the
organization to develop a strong partnership
with the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
Since 1998, the hospital has provided an on-
site medical care facility which works to
improve the health of the children in the
Metcalfe community.
In October 2010, construction began on a
new, 7,700 square foot clinic located on the
Next Door Foundation’s campus, which will
significantly expand and improve current
medical facilities – while also providing a
promising solution to the extreme scarcity of
dentists in the area. Data demonstrates that of
the 111,000 Medicaid eligible children in
Milwaukee County, only 21,000 have received
even one dental exam. Oral health is an
extremely important and valuable piece of
overall health; in fact, dental decay is the most

chronic common infectious disease among low
income children – five times more common
than asthma! Because chronic dental pain
interferes with eating, sleeping and school
performance, addressing children’s dental
health needs is part of the Next Door
Foundation’s integrated strategy to ensure that
children are healthy and have the opportunity
to be successful in school and in life.
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On The Ground In…
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
continued on page 6
A COMMUNITY THAT GETS IT
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Nutrition and healthy eating is also a
critical part of the Next Door Foundation’s
strategies for working with young children
and families. The Foundation recently
hired a Nutrition Manager who will be
responsible for planning meals and snacks
using fresh vegetables, fruits and whole
grains, while working with parents to
implement good nutrition habits at home.
Luckily, he’ll have help from BCDI-
Milwaukee, which has partnered with the

Next Door Foundation to encourage
healthy nutrition practices specifically
among African-American families with
young children.
Through the support of the Wal-Mart
Foundation, NBCDI is developing a training
DVD for a healthy living preschool
curriculum based on Head Start’s “I am Moving, I am
Learning” program. “My Little World, Vol. 1 – A Day In
Pre School” is a music-based educational tool designed to
engage children and early care educators in activities that
provide academic enrichment, cultural diversity and
physical activity. Preschool teachers at the Next Door
Foundation will be trained to implement this program
with their students, and BCDI-Milwaukee will support
those efforts by hosting two parent engagement events
focused on helping parents learn how to choose healthy
foods, manage their time and promote physical activity.
Wanda Montgomery, President of BCDI-Milwaukee
says, “BCDI-Milwaukee is excited about the opportunity
to partner with Next Door Foundation and Walmart to
impact the health and fitness of African American
children and their families through this project.”
Working together, community partners in the Metcalfe
community are showing how to move towards a safer,
healthier and stronger community for the kids and
families who need it most.
For more information about the Next Door Foundation,
please visit their website at www.nextdoormil.org or
contact Sunny Peete at To

learn more about BCDI-Milwaukee, email Carmen Ray
at or call (414) 841-4464.
■
“On the Ground In…” is a new feature in Child Health Talk that
will focus on programs making a difference in improving the
health of our children and families in communities across
America. To nominate a program that is achieving great outcomes
in your neighborhood or city, please call (202) 833-2220 or email
, subject line “On the Ground.”
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A Community That Gets It: On the Ground in…Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continued from page 5
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H
ere are some of the fruits and vegetables
that will be in season this Winter.
Although most farmers’ markets are
finished for the year, you can still find fresh fruits
and vegetables to bring to your table. And when
you can’t find them fresh at your grocery store, feel
free to use canned or frozen fruits and vegetables

that you can pick up at your corner stores.
Let your child help you prepare the food for your
family – they can mix, stir and measure, which helps
builds their skills in math. You can also talk with
them while you’re getting dinner ready – that helps
build their literacy skills. This way, you’ll be feeding
their minds and their bodies!
Happy healthy eating!
■
Beets Bright-red beets are sometimes called “nature’s candy.” Cut off the ends, and you can boil or
roast them and eat them plain or in a salad with other vegetables.
Belgian Endive A little tangy, endives should be smooth and white, with little yellow tips at the end. They are
excellent when braised, in soups, and added to salads.
Broccoli You can eat broccoli year round, but it’s best during winter. Steam, roast, or sauté these “little
trees” – and feel free to add a little bit of cheese at the end.
Brussels Sprouts You may think you hate Brussels sprouts, but try them roasted in the oven with garlic and olive oil
and you might just change your mind!
Cabbage There’s no better time than winter time to eat your greens! They grow best in cooler climates,
so make them like your mother did – or maybe try a new way.
Carrots Always good raw or chopped up in a salad, carrots can also be cooked plain or with ginger or
horseradish to spice them up. They’re good for your heart and your eyes!
Cauliflower It might sound crazy, but mashed cauliflower is a great and healthy substitute for mashed potatoes.
Make it the same way, and your family will be sure to enjoy!
Clementines Clementines are small oranges – very sweet, usually seedless, and easy to eat. They’re only
available during the winter, so grab a box and enjoy ‘em while you can.
Grapefruit Grapefruit makes for a great snack or part of a healthy breakfast. If you remove the white stuff
under the skin, they’re actually sweet – not sour at all!
Kale Kale is one of the world’s healthiest vegetables – as long as you cook it right! Just sauté the kale
with onions and garlic and then add a little broth for tenderness. Easy!
Persimmon Delicious, but not well-known, this fruit is available only in winter. It looks like a tomato & comes

in Fuyu & Hachiya varieties. Cut out the core & seeds to eat it raw!
Winter Squash There are hundreds of ways to eat winter squash – which includes acorn & butternut squash.
You can mash them, roast them, bake them or make them into soup – enjoy!
What’s In Season for Winter?
T
he holidays have passed, but that doesn’t mean
that tough financial times are over. Nationally,
unemployment is hovering around 9.8 percent –
but in the black community, unemployment rates are
closer to 16 percent, and are even higher for black men.
If you or a family member is out of a job, it can be hard to
know whether to talk with your kids about your situation,
or what to say when you do. The fact that you’re worried,
stressed and tired doesn’t make it any easier.
But your kids are feeling that stress too, whether or not
they know exactly what’s going on. And while you don’t
have to give them all the details, it is important to talk
with them, in ways that are appropriate for their age.
Here are a few ideas to help you deal with the subject of
the economy, money and unemployment in your family:
1
Be Open
Kids know more than you think they do. They might
have heard you talking on the phone, or they’re finding
things out from their friends. Before you tell them what
you think they need to hear, find out what they already
know. You might say, “There’s been a lot of talk about
jobs and money lately. Is anyone at school talking about
that? What do they say? Do you have any questions
for me?”

If they do have questions, Diane Levin, Ph.D.,
professor of education at Wheelock College, suggests
that you do your best to explain clearly, honestly and
simply the impact of the economy or your job loss on
your family, focusing on the listening to the concerns
they raise.
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“HOW COME YOU
DON’T HAVE A JOB?”
Talking with kids about the economy,
money & unemployment
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Make Age-Appropriate Explanations
All kids need to be reassured that they are safe and
supported, but there are different ways to talk about the
economy for different ages. Here are some options:
• Ages 0-4
Very young children aren’t ready for detailed
explanations, but they do need other forms of
reassurance, especially if they detect stress and
anxiety at home. Extra hugs and attention can make
even the youngest feel more secure in tough times.
• Ages 5-9
Children this age can’t put the pieces of a problem
together, so it’s especially important to give them step-
by-step explanations of any changes. For example,

“Mom (or Dad) lost her job because they didn’t have
enough money to pay me anymore, but I am working
hard to find a new one. We may need to make some
changes, but you will still go to the same school and
sleep in your own bed and keep your toys.”
• Ages 10-13
Older children are more aware of the news and ready
for more details, but not so many that you create
unnecessary anxiety. Be positive but realistic in your
explanations. For example, “You’ve seen the news
about the economic problems in our town and across
the country. I’m working very hard to get us through
this, so I may have to work some extra hours at the
office, which means you’re going to have to help out
more too. We’re all in this together.”
Watch Your Words
Children are quick to overhear and misunderstand
statements like “We’re going to the poor house,” or “I
spent my last dime on that car repair,” so watch what you
say around them. If you need to spend less, move to
another house or apartment, or change your hours, be
very specific about what it will mean for your family.
Include Your Children
While you shouldn’t put added stress on children, you
should enlist them as helpers in saving money. Doing so
will give them a measure of control and help to relieve
anxiety. Here’s how:
• Let them clip coupons for frequently-purchased
grocery items or ask them to research local trips in
place of a more elaborate vacation.

• Encourage them to make a list of things they can do
to save money, like recycling drawing paper or
drinking water instead of more expensive sports
drinks or juice boxes.
• Ask them to collect rarely-used toys and other
household items for a garage sale.
• Remind them to borrow books and movies from the
public library rather than purchasing them at a book
or video store.
Small gestures will make them feel more in control and
part of the solution for their family.
Maintain a Routine
If you do need to move to a smaller home, sell your car,
or make other financial adjustments, do your best to
maintain your child’s regular routine, including
mealtimes and bed times.
You also might want to set up a regular time to connect
with your child. Try to set aside 30 minutes each day to
play a game, read stories, go to the playground, or eat a
meal together. This will help you to see when your child
is stressed out, and will help you all to stay connected.
It doesn’t cost anything – and may be just what you both
need to face lean days ahead.
See Your Situation As An Opportunity
The silver lining in this economic crisis is the opportunity
for families to reassess their values and reconsider what
really matters. Regardless of the impact the economy or
your unemployment may have on your family finances, this
is an ideal time to talk to children about what you value.
As Michelle Singletary says, “Use this trying time to teach

your children by example to recognize their limitations and
that there is no shame in having financial limitations. By
discussing with them that money is tight, you are admitting
that at times you can't do or get what you want. You are
teaching them you can't spend what you don’t have.”
2
These are important, invaluable lessons for our
children to learn – and for us, as adults, to remember.
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1
Adapted from PBS Parents. Retrieved from: />article-finance-makingsense.html
2
Singletary, Michelle. “If Christmas Money’s Tight, Talk It Over.” Retrieved from:
/>moneys_tight,_talk_it_over/
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BETWEEN THE COVERS
Ages 4-8
*Birtha, Becky, illustrator *Nicole Tadgell (2010), Lucky Beans, Albert Whitman & Company. Beans were
the frequent source of food for Birtha’s family during the depression of the 1930s. Birtha uses his
“bean” knowledge to estimate the number of beans in a jar and thus wins a sewing machine for his
mother. Ages: 4-8
*Bryan, Ashley (2010), All Things Bright and Beautiful,
Atheneum. The beauty of nature and children worldwide
is depicted in this version of a famous seventeenth
century hymn. Ages: 4-8

Grigsby, Susan, illustrator *Nicole
Tadgell (2010), In the Garden with
Dr. Carver, Albert Whitman &
Company. Dr. Carver’s visit to an
Alabama elementary school in the early 1900s initiates
today’s often heard lessons about planting and eating
healthy foods. Ages: 4-8
*Jordon Doloris, illustrator *James Ransome (2010),
Baby Blessing, Simon and Schuster. The joy and love of
a family is expressed for their baby from his birth to his
first day of school. Birth - Age 6
Culturally Responsive Literature
for Young Hands and Minds
Dr. Toni S. Walters Ph.D. – Oakland University
Dr. Vivian G. Johnson, Ph.D. – Marygrove College
Dr. Jonella A. Mongo Ph.D. – Consultant
Ashelin Currie – Doctoral Student – Oakland University
National Black Child Development
40th Conference with NAEYC
Anaheim, CA, November 4-6, 2010
T
his issue of Child Health Talk features the 2010 bibliography from the
Between the Covers session at NBCDI’s 40th anniversary conference.
Between the Covers has appeared in NBCDI’s Child Health Talk for 10
years, with the purpose of highlighting and focusing on literature for children by
African American authors and illustrators. As tradition has it, the conference
workshop bibliography shares information on books that have been published in
the past year.
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Malispina, Ann, illustrator *Colin
Bootman (2010), Finding Lincoln,
Albert Whitman. The setting is
Alabama, 1951. When Louis needs
to write an essay about Abraham
Lincoln he bravely attempts to get
information from the “whites only” library where he is
befriended by the librarian who finds a way to help him.
Ages: 4-8
Norman, Geoffrey, illustrator *E.B. Louis,
(2010), Stars Above Us, G.P. Putnam’s
Sons. The dark of night and a father’s
military deployment generate fear for
Amanda. Yet, this book can bring comfort
to other children and their families facing
similar situations. Ages: 4-8
Pelé , illustrator *Morrison, Frank, (2010),
For the Love of Soccer, Hyperion. The
legendary Brazilian soccer player tells of
his love of the game from childhood
through adulthood. The illustrations and
text create an amazing story for today’s
readers. Ages: 4-8
*Obama, Barack, illustrator Loren Long,
(2010), Of Thee I Sing: Letters to My
Daughters, Knopf Books for Young

Readers. President Obama’s letter to
his daughters pays tributes to the
achievements of 13 great Americans
who helped shape the course of this
nation. Ages: 4-8
*Pinkney, Jerry, (2010), The Three
Little Kittens, Dial Books for Young
Readers. This favorite nursery rhyme
accompanied by delightfully vivid
illustrations will provide a new
generation of children loads of
enjoyment. Ages: 4-8
*Ransome, James (2010), Gunner:
Football Hero, Holiday House. Can the
plumper kid on the team save the game
when the all seems lost? Only Gunner can
answer that question. Ages: 4-8
*Robinson, Sharon, illustrator *E.B.
Lewis, (2010), Jackie’s Gift, Viking
Juvenile. The Robinson family’s first
Christmas in Brooklyn was met with
neighborhood discrimination except
for the friendliness of the Satlow family.
One family Christian and the other
Jewish learn to share the cultural
richness that each cherishes. Ages: 4-8
San Souci, Robert, illustrator *E.B.
Louis, (2010), Robin Hood and the
Golden Arrow, Scholastic. Legendary
Robin Hood’s encounter with the

Sheriff of Nottingham becomes the
theme of this storybook intended for
today’s readers. Ages: 4-8
*Weatherford, Carol Boston, illustrator
London Ladd, (2010), Oprah: The Little
Speaker, Marshall Cavendish Children’s
Books. A legend in her own time, Oprah
approves this story that tells how her rags
to riches childhood embraced both her
gift to speak and spiritual upbringing.
Ages: 4-8
* Woodson, Jacqueline, illustrator
Sophie Blackall, (2010), Pecan Pie
Baby. Gia has always had Mama all to
herself and now everybody but Gia is
getting so excited about the ding
dang baby. Ages: 4-8
Ages 6-10
*Goldberg, Whoopi (2010), Sugar Plum
Ballerinas: Terrible Terrel, Hyperion.
After her father brings his new girlfriend
to a father and daughter evening at the
ballet, Terrel tackles the challenge of her
father’s new girlfriend. Ages 6-10
Slade, Suzanne, illustrator *Colin Bootman,
(2010), Climbing Lincoln’s Steps: The
African American Journey, Albert Whitman
Company. The Lincoln Memorial has long
been associated with civil rights: Marion
Anderson’s performance, Dr, Martin Luther

King’s 1963 speech, and President Obama’s
election. Symbolically the book chronicles civil rights from
enslavement to contemporary leaders. Ages 6-10
Vernick, Audrey, illustrator *Don Tate, (2010),
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story,
Collins. This illustrated biography tells the story
of a woman who not only played baseball, but
was instrumental in founding the Negro
League team the Eagles. She also fought for
players’ fair wages in integrated teams and
their recognition in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ages: 6-10
*Watson, Renee, illustrator *Shadra
Strickland, (2010), A Place Where
Hurricanes Happen, Random House. A
young girl describes the fun she had
playing with her friends and family until
hurricane Katrina hit their home. Ages: 7-10
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continued on page 12
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A
ges 9-12
Javaherbin, Mina, illustrator *A.G. Ford,
(2010), Goal! Candlewick Press. The setting
is South Africa where young football

champions meet the challenge of bullies
who attempt to steal their ball. Ages: 9-12
*Bolden, Tonya, (2010), Finding Family,
Bloomsbury. Aunt Tilly had been a stabilizing
force in Delana’s life after her mother’s death.
When Aunt Tilly died, Delana seeks answers
that will help her find a sense of self. Learning
her history led Delana to her true identity.
Ages: 8–up
*Neri, G. illustrator Randy Duburke, (2010),
Yumi: The Last Days of a Southside
Shorty, Lee and Low. In 1994 on the
Southside of Chicago, a 14 year old girl
was killed by an 11 year-old gangster,
Robert Sandifer nicknamed “Yummy” for
his love of cookies and sweets. G. Neri, retells the story in
a graphic novel through the fictional character Roger who
struggled to understand if “Yummy” was a victim or a
bully. The reader has an opportunity to “see” both sides.
This tragic story will tug at your heart and will stay with you
long after you finish reading it. Ages: 9-12
*Hubbard, Crystal, illustrator Kevin
Belford, (2010), Game Set Match
Champion Arthur Ashe, Lee and Low.
This biography of a top-ranked tennis
player and Grand Slam Champion
recognizes him as a humanitarian and
trailblazer on and off the tennis court. Ages: 9-12
*Draper, Sharon (2010), Out of My Mind,
Atheneum, (available in Kindle Edition).

Melody, a gifted eleven-year-old with
cerebral palsy faces an array of challenges
at school. With the support of technology
she is able to show her teachers and
students just how smart she really is. Ages 9-12
*Smith, Charles R., illustrator *Shane W.
Evans, (2010), Black Jack – The Ballad of
Jack Johnson, Roaring Brook Press. This is
the story of the first black heavyweight
champion of the world, who challenged
top white fighters during a time when they
refused to fight a “Negro.” Ages 9-12
*Williams-Garcia, Rita (2010), One Crazy Summer,
Amistad. When their mother abandoned Delphine and her
younger sisters, her father and grandmother wanted them
to get to know them, so the girls go to
California. When they get there, Cecile
sends the girls to a camp run by the Black
Panthers where they learn the foundation
for Delphine’s quest to reclaim her mother’s
love. Ages: 9-12
Young Adult
Binns, B. A. (2010), Pull. Westside Books.
High school senior David blames himself for
h
is mother’s death because he was asleep
when his father shot her. David and his
younger sisters move to inner city Chicago to
live with their aunt. Life will never be the same for this
young man who deals with bullying, emotional upheaval,

loss of a basketball dream, finding the wrong love, and
trying to figure out how to keep his sisters out of foster
care. Ages: Young Adult
*Bond, Victoria and *Simon, T. R. (2010), Zora
and Me, Candlewick Press. Young Zora Neale
Hurston was known for telling a good story like
the one about the shape shifting gator man.
Zora and her friend Carrie also learned a harsh
reality when a man was found murdered in her
hometown, Eden. The story unfolds to reveal a piece of
the renowned Hurstons’ childhood. Ages 10 & up
*Carter, Nikki (2010), Not A Good Look. A
Fab Life Novel, Dafina. Sunday has a good
life. She is popular, smart, a song writer, and
has a singing voice that can make her a star.
She could blow up, but her cousin, Dreya, is
the one gets a contract to sing with a Hip-
Hop artist. Fortunately, things start looking
up for Sunday and her music finds the right ears. All would
be well if she could survive Dreya’s drama. (Sequel: All the
Wrong Moves due: 12/28/2010). Ages: Young Adult
*Flake, Sharon (2010), You Don’t Even Know
Me: Stories and Poems About Boys,
Hyperion. This collection of poems and
stories provides insight into the everyday life
and adolescent males experiences. Hard
decisions are made, identities are clarified,
and secrets are revealed as descriptive language unveils
the nuances of these diverse lives. Ages: Young Adult
*Fuller, Charles. (2010), Snatch: The Adventures of David

and Me in Old New York, David And Me Publishing Inc.
The Five Points section of New York in the
late1830s is the setting for the adventures of
two brothers “free blacks” for Pulitzer Prize
Playwright Charles Fuller’s first novel for
adolescents. David and Charles manage to
befriend a runaway slave and with the help
of the Brewery Witches they manage
Between the Covers, continued from page 11
N A T I O N A L B L A C K C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E
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maneuvers to save a fugitive. A teacher’s guide is
available. Ages: Young Adult.
*Jenkins, Beverly (2010), Belle. Kimanitru.
Freedom meant everything to 16 year-old
Belle who escaped enslavement and
ended up in Michigan where a free family
rescued her. Belle struggles to deny her
feelings for their 18 year-old son and
begins to focus on learning to read while
awaiting news about her father who was captured when
they escaped. The author’s note includes a list of resources
about the Enslavement and the Michigan/ Canada
Underground Railroad. Ages: Young Adult
*Johnson, Angela (2010), Sweet, Hereafter.
Simon & Schuster. A recurring character from
Johnson’s books, Heaven & The Last Part

First, Shoogy’s life has been challenging.
Now she is a runaway and living with her
boyfriend recently deployed to Iraq for a
second tour. When she disappears her
friends-characters from Johnson’s earlier stories-come to
her aid. Shoogy learns important lessons about trust and
friendship. Young Adult
* Jones, Traci L. (2010), Finding My Place.
Farrar Straus Giroux. Tiphanie’s parents’
success becomes her turmoil when the
family moves to a Denver suburb and she
is the second black student to enroll in the
high school. Fourteen year-old Tiphanie is
ostracized until she meets her white
counterpart – a “poor white girl” with her own secrets. The
story examines some of the stereotypes of the period
following the Civil Rights Movement where Tiphanie’s
lessons about bigotry, friendship, and teenage romance are
well learned. Ages: Young Adult
*Mattison, Booker, T. (2009), Unsigned
Hype: A Novel. Revell. Tory is fifteen
years old and knows what he wants in life.
Although he is a classically trained
musician, Tory dreams of being a hip hop
artist. When his dream becomes a reality,
it soon turns nightmare. Ages: Young Adult
*Myers, Walter Dean (2010), Lockdown.
Amistad. Fourteen year-old Reese has
eight-weeks left on his sentence in a
juvenile detention facility. He was

selected to work with senior citizens
which will make the time go by quickly,
if only he did not have to deal with
problems at the facility. Reese has to decide whether or
not to intervene when a young inmate is bullied. His
choice will determine whether or not freedom is that
important to him. Ages: Young Adult
*Smith, JR., Charles R. (2010),
Chameleon. Candlewick Press.
Fourteen year-old Shawn is headed for
high school and a decision must be
made about where he will go. Set in
Compton, Los Angeles Shawn spends
his days playing basketball with his
three longtime neighborhood friends
when he meets Marisol, a “fine” girl who spills over into
his dreams. Shawn and his friends live with the danger of
wearing the wrong color or being in the wrong place at
the wrong time. His other reality is being “babysat” by his
alcoholic aunt that his mother expects him to look after.
This summer might be that last one he gets to spend with
his childhood friends. Ages: Young Adult
*Watson, Renee (2010), What Momma
Left Me. Bloomsbury. Serenity and her
brother’s lives will be different. The two
must adjust to living with their maternal
grandparents after their father
murdered their mother. Both are torn
about their relationship with him. They
don’t know where he is and wonder if

he knows their mother died. Watson’s
poetic voice transforms each chapter into a literary journey
into the lives of two children who experience loss
differently. The varied poetic forms used and discussed
add to the reading and listening experience with this text.
Ages: Young Adult
*Wilkins, Ebony Joy, (2010), Sell Out,
Scholastic. NaTasha’s parents meant
well when they moved into a
suburban neighborhood where she
attends a white school. She always
tried to fit-in, but an embarrassing
moment during a ballet recital sealed
her fate. Fortunately, her
grandmother was visiting and took
NaTasha to her home in Harlem.
NaTasha helped her grandmother at a Bronx center for
troubled teen girls where her name became “sell out.”
How could she make them see that she was not that
different? Ages: Young Adult
THE BTC TEAM:
Dr. Toni S. Walters – Professor at Oakland University in
Rochester, Michigan
Dr. Vivian G. Johnson – Associate Professor at Marygrove College
in Detroit, Michigan
Dr. Jonella A. Mongo – Visiting Faculty Member at Oakland University.
A Note to Authors and Publishers
We encourage authors and publishers to send advance review copies
and newly released books for children to: Dr. Toni S. Walters, SEHS,
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309

The Between the Covers team will review them for consideration in
future columns.
13
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Send your favorite springtime recipe to and we’ll publish one winner in the next issue of Child Health Talk!
What’s better in the winter than tacos and soup? Mix them together in this
easy, healthy recipe that your kids will love. They can mix, stir…and enjoy!
Taco Soup
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Ingredients:
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
• 2 cans whole kernel corn

• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can of diced tomatoes and green
chiles
• 1 package ranch dressing mix
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 medium avocado, peeled and
sliced (optional)
• 1 package tortilla chips
Directions:
1. In a big pot, brown the ground
beef and chopped onion together
and drain.
2. Add the corn, tomatoes, black
beans, pinto beans, tomatoes and
chiles (including the juices!),
taco seasoning and ranch
dressing mix. Stir well.
3. Simmer on the stovetop for 30
minutes. Top with the avocado
slices and grated cheese, serve
with tortilla chips.