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"Natalie McDonald-Perkins takes the reader on a journey that embodies the beauty and treasure found in patience, self-identity, and pride. "Proud to Be.." is a beautifully written masterpiece. The book depicts the voice of a young Nigerian native, by the name of Ifunanya who finds herself away from her native country and immersed in new land.

As she voyages through school, young Ifunanya realizes that people tend to struggle with embracing cultural differences such as the uniqueness in one's name. Despite her many frustrations and attempts of correcting her peers and teachers, she never loses sight of the beauty and power in her name. Infunanya's pride for her culture and name is contagious. Watch how this book speaks to every child who has struggled with his or her name being heard. The strong and confident voice of Ifunanya will empower every youth to remember that a name is a stream to identity and the bloom to individuality."

Jafria Wooden

(Founder/CEO Girls of Pearls, International Inc.)