Her Name Was Beauty is a children’s book about Beauty’s first day at school. Both her mother and father are of several mixed race and ethnic backgrounds. The school kids make fun of Beauty because of her dark skin and strange appearance. Deborah Williams wrote this book to tackle the struggles multi-racial/ethnic people, which she calls the “new generation.”
This book took place over the course of one day but it was hard to tell at first. It kept jumping back and forth from being written in present and past tense. If it was confusing for me, I wonder how a small child will be able to follow it. Williams also used some big words for a children’s book. There are no illistations and since the target market is small children, I highly suggest them.
I think it’s great that Williams tried to tackle this important issue however, I don’t think she succeeded. This book was self-published and is in need of editing. Since the time I received this book I have made the decision not to accept many self-published books, if any. This book is a prime example of why I have made that decision.
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Sound like it totally misses it’s target. And you’re right – kids need pictures.
Carol, I think little kids especially need picture. Pictures hold their attention better and can aid in them grasping the concepts in the story.
I agree that little kids (pre-school to primary) need pictures but I also find that children this age are much more accepting of differences in colour, race, religion etc.
Interestingly enough, before my youngest was reading chapter books on her own (early grade one) she never wanted me to show her the illustrations. She said it ruined the book. She liked to imagine them in her own head first! 🙂
Wanda, That is true with some kids but I think most that age need pictures. They were needed for this story for sure but that was not it’s only short coming. I hate writing negative reviews but I try to be fair and balance. It was hard to write this review in that way.