Reviews the prominent portrayals of women as heroes and harbingers of social reconstruction in the dramas of Nigerian playwright Femi Osofisan. Juxtaposes the new class of women whose sound judgment and racial consciousness contrast with that of an older, reactionary class. (FMW)

Penn, Gaines, and Phillips in their article "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference" (1993) should be applauded for their efforts toward more universal level of acceptance and accord. Their goal is not challenged, but their vision is lacking. True respect for and acceptance of others can never be achieved in the absence of respect…

Discusses Biblical narratives for children and suggests criteria to use for assessing Bible story books. Twelve examples of good books are described, including picture books as well as stories for older children. Features that are discussed include illustrations, use of color, readability, and racial assumptions. (LRW)

Original article grew from concern that, in reaction to endemic racism, number of African Americans were seeking refuge in racial camps others have fought to destroy. Commentaries by Janet E. Helms, Robert M. Sellers, Jerome Taylor, Thomas A. Parham, and Kobi K. K. Kambon and Reginald Hopkins encourage discussion about basis and importance of…

Discusses the importance of including interracial storybooks in today's diverse classrooms, explaining the benefits of using such literature (e.g., building a sound personal identity for children with mixed ancestors, promoting knowledge and skills for a global society, and developing an appreciation for diversity). Reviews eight books with…

Reviews a monograph by Census Bureau and private-sector researchers that attempts to give an overview of important characteristics of the U.S. Indian population and to explain problems in census data collection and interpretation. Discusses the ongoing difficulties related to identification of American Indians and implications for the…

Reviews two books on white identity in multicultural education, examining trends toward linking white race consciousness to effective multicultural pedagogy (which multicultural proponents either embrace or ignore) and discussing whether this discourse advances the field. Suggests that if these texts are designed for preparing white teachers for…

Notes that Steinberg and Hall's book examines challenges and possibilities of transracial adoption, asserting that the work is the choice for white parents thinking about becoming or already in a transracial-adopted family, and for professionals working with parents and/or children in such families. Suggests that the book's only weakness stems…

Bottom line regarding veracity of assertion of Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips in their article "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference" (1993)--that the preference toward one's same group (racial or otherwise) is neither a valid measure of ethnic identity nor a predictor of psychological health--is that it is…

In "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference" (1993), Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips argue that misguided and mythical ideal of racial-social integration in America is the only reasonable and effective foundation for real African empowerment in American society. Serious intellectual battle will be required to…

Clifton's collection of essays attacks recent pro-Indian "fictions" (including Native spirituality and the relationship between the Iroquois League and the U.S. Constitution) as politically motivated romanticism and nonsense. The authors are struggling to maintain white intellectual authority over definitions of Indian identity and interpretations…

Explores the effects of Toni Morrison's novel, "Beloved," on readers. Explains that it maps a new direction for the African-American apocalyptic tradition because Morrison relocated the arena of racial battle from the streets to the African-American psyche where memories of the atrocities of the past have been buried. (JS)

Maintains that Gallas' book exemplifies her talent for and commitment to teacher research and that it richly documents students' social worlds. Asserts that two aspects of the investigation are problematic: the use of a male/female polarity that sometimes reifies stereotypes, and the consistent disavowal of racism in children. (Author/KB)

Notes that Crumble's book assists professionals in preparing families who adopt transracially and highlights the importance of understanding one's racial and cultural identity. Describes three areas of focus: complex issues involved in raising cultural issues, providing services to families, and staff attitudes and views. Highly recommends the…

Claim of Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips (1993) in their article "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference"--that self-esteem and identity achievement are unrelated to own-group preference--is a matter of controversy. Recommendations are made for research that considers physical features beyond skin color,…