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Kofi wanted to be a Bad Bwoy
Added: (Wed Jan 19 2005)
'Bad Bwoy' a colloquial term for a bad or unruly boy who is respected and feared by his peers because he rebels against his parents, teachers and other figures of authority in the community. The term originated in the Caribbean, but is often used in popular culture. Kofi wanted to be a Bad Bwoy is the story of a little boy who tries to copy the behaviour of some boys he has seen and how he learns that 'Bad Bwoy' is a style that he could use to scare other children, or to seem naughtier than he really is. He is challenged to ask himself whether that is what he really wants. Kofi comes to realise that he does not want people to be scared of him, but would rather have lots of friends who like him and want to play with him.
Kofi wanted to be a Bad Bwoy is aimed at 4-8 year old children (Key Stage 1) with a strong and clear message about inappropriate behaviour and its possible outcomes. The illustrations are vibrant, colourful and expressive allowing children to empathise and identify with the main character and his journey towards understanding the best way to relate to his peers and the adults around him.
The main theme of the book is how children model behaviour and how the way we respond to others affect how they treat us. The imaginative language extends this theme to inanimate objects such as the school clock, the milk in Kofi's cereal, even the sun, which all cease to perform their normal functions because of his naughty and scary behaviour, to very powerful and comical effect.
Kofi wanted to be a Bad Bwoy comes out of the author, Mushirah Wilson's 30 years experience of working with young people, especially those from disadvantaged communities, innovating services for the under-eight's and working with teenage as well as older parents. Mushirah is passionate about raising the level of under-achievement of black children especially boys growing up without a positive role model or father-figure in the home or school. She would like parents, carers and teachers to read Kofi wanted to be a Bad Bwoy with children. It should be explained to the child that although the 'Bad Bwoy' or street image may seem attractive, there are alternative and better ways to communicate your feelings that can make your life much more enjoyable.
Author: Mushirah Wilson
ISBN: 1-903289-04-1
Cost: £5.99
Publisher: BIS Publications
Contact: Mike Williams
Tel: 0845 226 4066
Email: info@bispublications.com
URL: http://www.bispublications.com
Address: P.O BOX 14918 London N17 8WJ