It is very difficult to select a favorite essay, so I will list a few.  Will by Anna K. Stone depicts a defiant child and the struggle of a teacher who literally provides shelter and guidance in a very unorthodox way. She was not “his” teacher, she was “a” teacher in the building who stumbled upon his mishaps.  Call Me Ma'am by Terra B. Little highlights the respect she commands for herself and for her clients as a probation officer.  Through the Eyes of A Child:  Aunt Louise's Red Shoes by Sharon Gray is a love story about the unconditional love of a child toward her aunt.  When the aunt's mask is revealed the continued love from the child shines through.  In Our Ghetto by Michael Guinn, the author paints a picture of the ghetto through the use of analogies and metaphors utilizing a lyrical prose.  The technique is effective in forcing you to visualize, acknowledge and empathize with what is written.  Some of the poems I enjoyed were Love Stew-Cooked in a Slow Cooker by H Renay Anderson, Am I Tomorrow's Keeper by Lorraine Elzia and Mama Cries by Demetrius Phillips.

This GUMBO FOR THE SOUL collection is a testament to the many people throughout the world who create and maintain our villages for the sake of the children.  Also included is a resource section which provides additional knowledge as it relates to foster care and adoption systems.  This is a wonderful collection which provides some awareness to the mounting situation of our children's struggles.

Reviewed by Dawn Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers