Multiethnic Teens and Cultural Identity

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Despite fanciful descriptions of the U.S. as a melting pot or a salad bowl, teens with diverse backgrounds often find it a bubbling cauldron, meeting the race issue head-on at a time in their lives when everything is topsy-turvy. In this slim but informative book, Cruz briefly examines cultural identity from its historical roots to its modern implications. Through her discussion of early accounts of racism, she paints a picture of American inequality. The author also touches on interracial marriages, terminology, stereotypes, and the controversial race question on the 2000 census. She presents numerous quotes and a few sidebars on well-known ethnically diverse high achievers. The results of several polls and census reports along with scattered photographs are also included. A straightforward account.-Lisa Denton, J. S. Russell JHS, Lawrenceville, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.