Books with author Camille Yarbrough

Activist/artist/author Camille Yarbrough tells the story of two best friends learning to find their inner strength through pride for their heritage.Angie's got a lot of worries. For starters, her dad just moved out and her mom's always sick. Then there's a gang at school that taunts her about her dark skin and kinky hair. At times it feels like the whole world is crashing down on her. For Angie, daydreaming is her only escape. That is until ninety-year-old Cousin Seatta comes to visit and teaches Angie about a different kind of dreaming . . . the kind slaves used to do to keep their courage up. Cousin Seatta tells Angie how to achieve her dreams by speaking up for herself. And as Angie begins to find her inner strength, she discovers the shimmershine feeling and gains new respect for her African heritage. * "A vivid depiction of the troubles facing students in inner-city schools. A brave book."—Booklist, starred review"This book is a gem."—Essence

Tamika is a member of a special club: the Sweet Fruit of the African Family Tree Club. She loves being a Sweet Fruit. Tamika also loves to wonder. But sometimes wondering gets Tamika into trouble, especially when she doesn't think before she acts. So Mama and Daddy share words of wisdom with Tamika. Love yourself. Carry yourself with dignity. Use your mind freely, but always think before you act. And they give her sparkling, colorful rings, so whenever Tamika starts wondering, she can look at the rings and remember. But lately Tamika and her family’s safety has been in danger. Then eight year old Tamika suffers the biggest tragedy of her life. Will the wisdom rings keep her strong and help her do the right thing?Review From BooklistEight-year-old Tamika, her older sister, and their parents live in an inner-city apartment building where her father is the super. Although gangs and drugs are constant threats, Tamika works hard to keep her mind and body safe and strong. After Daddy is murdered by drug dealers (who threaten the rest of the family), the three are forced to move to another, much smaller apartment. That Tamika and her family are able to survive these terrible changes and move forward in their lives is a tribute to their inner strength. Although more serious in tone than most of the First Stepping Stone books, Yarbrough's presentation is clearly written and age appropriate. Large print, short chapters, and frequent illustrations will make this easily accessible to first chapter-book readers.