Leading Books

Two of America's most trusted and respected authorities on child care provide answers to nearly 1000 questions on the problem of raising African-American children.

Along with the traditional demands of parenthood, today's parents must grapple with such daunting issues as drugs, AIDS, violence, and educational pressures. But black parents face an even more challenging task: they must actively combat negative messages of racism while teaching their children to succeed in a white-dominated culture.

In this thorough guide to parenting, two noted child psychiatrists, both African-American, focus on the special concerns of black parents. They offer comprehensive advice on nearly 1,000 common childrearing questions, paying particular attention to such problems as building self-esteem and helping black children cope with the often unconscious racism and microaggressions of white society.

Authoritative and comprehensive, Raising Black Children is an indispensable resource for every African-American family and for teachers of all races who seek to gain sensitivity to the needs of their black pupils.

"A necessary addition to all parenting and parent-teacher collections."--Linda Cullum, Library Journal

James P. Comer, M.D., Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at Yale University, has served as a consultant for over twenty school systems and educational programs nationwide. He is the author of Maggie’s American Dream and co-author of Raising Black Children. He lives in North Haven, Connecticut.

Dr. Alvin Poussaint is a Professor of Psychiatry and Faculty Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Harvard Medical School. He is author of Why Blacks Kill Blacks; co-author, with James Comer, of Raising Black Children; and co-author, with Amy Alexander, of Lay My Burden Down. Dr. Poussaint is an expert on race relations in America, the dynamics of prejudice, and issues of diversity as our society becomes increasingly multicultural. He is a strong proponent of non-violent parenting and parenting education. He is a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a life member of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has received numerous awards and is the recipient of many honorary degrees.