Grounded in the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nia/Purpose; Umoja/Unity; Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics; Kujichagulia/Self-Determination; Kuumba/Creativity; and Imani/Faith ) and other Africanist ideals, this facilitator's guide offers a framework for helping young African American girls, age ten to fourteen, realize their potential, strength, and beauty. Each chapter provides step-by-step directions for working with small groups of girls around such topics as successful African American women, relationships, hygiene, health, and physical beauty. The facilitator and the other group leaders are encouraged to model positive behavior in every way, including cooperative planning and implementation of the fourteen-session program. Handouts, manipulatives (e.g., cards), and posters are provided and ready for duplication. Team building, sisterhood, and self-respect are at the core of this program. The participants are encouraged to recite The Sisters of Nia Creed which begins "We will not speak negatively or, ridicule, or belittle our sisters." Though a key purpose of the program is to promote cultural pride and self-actualization, growth of literacy skills might also be encouraged, as participants are expected to reflect in the Sisters of Nia Journal and develop skits. The book is easy to read, the goals and objectives are clear and admirable, and the authors argue that the program is supported by research that involved more than 300 girls in Washington DC and Richmond, VA. Some prospective facilitators may be challenged by the expected knowledge of African inspired beliefs and culture, but the authors provide a glossary of terms complete with apronunciation guide, an explanation of some symbols, and resources. A CD containing reproducible PDFs of all forms and handouts is also available from the publisher. Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton-Johnson
