Black Girls and Adolescents

This one-of-a kind book challenges the current thinking about black girls to show how America has failed themand 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 influencesboth good and badfaced 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.