Books with title If Only I Could: On the Inside Looking Out

There are three young brothers in this story and the oldest has been given the responsibility to be his mother's helper; considered the man of the house. He and his brothers could not participate in after school and neighborhood activities. Their mother was left alone. David, the oldest seem to substitute for the absent parent was given responsibilities to help which changed the dynamics of the family. He always seem to be on the inside looking out. With his active imagination, he could only wish he could do things. Affirmation, communication and cooperation between the mother and children are shown in this story. Teachers and people of the village offered the same support. Comments from a Peace Education Consultant: "I love this story because it discusses many behaviors and values that have been forgotten and/or overlooked. I see there are affirmation, communication and cooperation between the mother and children in this family. The oldest child received additional affirmation and good communication from his teachers and neighbors"

Being a bi-racial child, there will always be conflicts within yourself as well as with you peers and others who cannot relate to what a person goes through of this origin. Having a black father and a white mother is not the norm in our society. So when offspring results from that unity, it is not the parents who suffer the most, it is the child. Bullying comes into play, not knowing who they can identify with, they are neither black or white and trying to explain their preference. “Who do I want to identify with?” Acquiring friends is very hard for them. Their peers seem to reject them because they are of mixed origin. Read the story to see if you or anyone you know can identify with what Mercides went through.

There are three young brothers in this story and the oldest has been given the responsibility to be his mother’s helper; considered the man of the house. He always seem to be on the inside looking out. Comment: Peace Education Consultant; Carolyn Shipman states: “I love this story because it discusses many behaviors and values that have been forgotten and/or overlooked. I see there are affirmation, communication and cooperation between the mother and children in this family. The oldest child received additional affirmation and good communication from his teachers and neighbors.”

There are three young brothers in this story, and the oldest has been given the responsibility to be his mothers helper and is considered the man of the house. He always seem to be on the inside looking out.Peace education consultant Carolyn Shipman states, I love this story because it discusses many behaviors and values that have been forgotten and/or overlooked. I see there are affirmation, communication and cooperation between the mother and children in this family. The oldest child received additional affirmation and good communication from his teachers and neighbors.