The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper

This is a very interesting chapter book about a young African-American adolescent boy named Jericho. He is offered the chance to pledge for an elite school club called the Warriors of Destruction. Jericho agrees to pledge because that means being a part of the popular crowd, wearing cool clothing, going to great parties, and being admired by other students in school. However, what Jericho doesn't know is that he is going to have to be part of some activities that he doesn't fully agree with. I really enjoyed reading the book, and I feel that all school media centers should have this book as a part of the collection. Draper wrote a book that focuses on all the problems of peer pressure and the desire to fit in. All children have to make difficult choices at some point in their lives, and The Battle of Jericho expertly depicts what it is like to be torn between what you believe is right and doing what other people want you to do in order to gain acceptance. It brings to attention the important message about making good decisions, and all children can benefit from reading this book.


I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

This book focuses on a young African-American girl who has to go through a nightly ritual of combing the tangles out of her hair. She cries when it hurts, so her mother tells her stories about why she should be thankful that she has such beautiful hair. Her mother gets very imaginative and makes up stories about what her daughter can do with such beautiful hair. The pictures in this book are very lovely, and they help emphasize the lesson being taught about celebrating yourself, your heritage, and your differences, no matter the situation. I Love My Hair is a very special book the focuses on self-acceptance. It should be found in every school library media center because all children feel out of place at one point or another in their lives. This book will help children understand that it is okay to be different and to celebrate your uniqueness.