Beating the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Males

Rating:
Summary: Put this on your must read list
Review: Not only is this book full of valuable information , it is also an easy read. If you are a parent, but especially if you are the parent of an African American male, this book gives clear guidance as to what steps are necessary to promote academic success. Along with guidance on what to do, the book also provides help in identifying strategies to avoid certain obstacles particular to African American males.

Rating:
Summary: Good Parenting is Color Blind
Review: The principles may seem obvious (e.g., read to your children, listen to them, rely on community resources, etc.), but the authors do an excellent job showing how our modern culture distracts us from the tried and true--and what we've lost as a result.

In addition to interviews with parents of the 60 UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars, the authors' interviews with grandparents showed how important it is to have a family that values learning and excellence. Whether you come from a rich family with multiple degrees, or are poor and the first high school graduate in your family, a key to academic success is being around those who value it.

As a white male and new father, I was inspired by the book and reminded that good parenting is color blind. I also agree with the authors that if Black males are to achieve academic success, they must be exposed to the many examples that abound already, but are often overlooked by our society.