Citizens’ Review Board for Children 2301 Liberty Heights Avenue, Suite 1041 Baltimore, MD 21215
The Advocate
Winter 2004 Edition Newsletter of the Citizens’ Review Board for Children (CRBC)

BOOK REVIEW
Nothin’ but the Truth
Somebody’s Someone
Regina Louise, Warner Books, 2003
Regina Louise remembers more about her childhood
than most people remember about this morning.
And it’s a good thing she does, because she gives us
the clearest window yet on the hearts and minds of
abused and neglected children.
Now a successful entrepreneur, Regina Louise grew
up in circumstances very similar to those of the
children we review: abandonment, rejection,
parental substance abuse, physical abuse, sexual
abuse, informal care, formal care. Her memoir
chronicles her experiences as a 10 – 15-year-old girl
who wouldn’t let go of the mama she scarcely knew.
Due to her extraordinary gifts, she is able to recall and
recount how she felt when so many heartbreaking
events befell her. She’s fearless; she says what most
people hold back because she just couldn’t hold back
any more.
Thanks to Regina Louise, we get an unvarnished look
at the feelings of a child – often confused, often
contradictory, often astonishingly insightful. Her
reactions to school, neighbors, friends, TV shows,
physical and sexual abuse, racial and color bias,
transience, and rejection will both sadden and delight
you.
You can learn more at www.reginalouise.com. The
book is available at mainstream bookstores and Internet
distributors.
Charlie Cooper, CRBC Administrator
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/crbc/pdf/winter04.pdf