Based on research findings, Smart and Sassy: The Strengths of Inner City Black Girls utilizes a foundation of theology, philosophy, sociology, human development, and contextual psychodynamic theory to understand how Black girls create meaningful identities. These substantive knowledge areas are interwoven with strength and health perspectives to theorize and interpret adolescent lives. Presented in their own language, the Black girls' factual self-narratives, group interactions, dialogs, and case illustrations reveal visceral and poignant stories that clearly indicate they are courageous, intelligent, and spirited.
Smart and Sassy offers a developmental- and contextual-based model of intervention that can be used as a supportive counseling guide for adolescent maturation. Stevens asserts that an examination of such girls and their families provides information about competence and social assets that promote healthy development and positive social adjustment. Although it offers a particular ethnic focus, this text provides authoritative insight into the developmental issues confronting all adolescents. Its framework promotes critical thinking skills in both undergraduate and graduate students, and each case illustration features study questions and issues for discussion.