The Black Foster Youth Handbook

50+ Lessons I Learned to Successfully
Age-Out of Foster Care and Holistically Heal

By Angela Quijada-Banks

When Angela Quijada-Banks entered foster care at age 16, she was looking for a way to find help for her and her siblings. Now, just a few years later at age 24, Quijada-Banks is offering help to others who have found themselves similarly in foster care through her new book, “The Black Foster Youth Handbook.” The book not only shares parts of Quijada-Banks’ story, but also provides guidance to others. Broken into four parts — Root, Envision, Ascension and Liberation — each chapter explores various lessons, from “learning how to love your body” to “healthy relationships are reciprocal.” Parts of the book are specific to Black youth and empowering young people. Sections include “#IAmSuccess Questions” that offer the reader the opportunity for self-reflection.

“The Black Foster Youth Handbook” is a testament to the author’s commitment to help others in the foster care system based on what she has learned from her own experience. Youth who’ve come through foster care have much to offer from their lived experience, and this book is a prime example of that. The book provides plenty of opportunity for the reader to add their own thoughts and reflect on the advice and wisdom Quijada-Banks shares. Former foster youth will be able to relate to Quijada-Banks’ story and much of what she shares in the book — it’s definitely worth a read.

Quijada-Banks was recently nominated for the NAACP’s Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work-Instructional, along with the works of four other distinguished writers. The NAACP Image Awards show will air on BET TV on March 27 at 8 p.m. EST.

— Reviewed by Kim Phagan-Hansel

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