Book Review: "Reclaiming Our Children" by Robby G. Dixon

Title: Reclaiming Our Children
Author: Robby G. Dixon
Publisher: C’Lestial Publishing
ISBN, PUB Date: 9780965183420, March 2009
Reviewed By: Traci for Author Exposure

A child’s defiant and hostile behavior does not necessarily suggest they are destined for imprisonment. That’s usually the forgone conclusion when you see a dysfunctional kid being disrespectful to people or personal property. You may think such a child will only get worse and eventually end up in jail. But, what if that child was incarcerated before the bad behavior erupted? Would you have recognized it? Would you have considered anything else?


I didn’t until I sat down to read Reclaiming the Children. In this book, Dixon discusses the effect of spiritual and mental influences on a child’s self-image and how it can lead to physical imprisonment. He focuses on three types of imprisonment: spiritual, emotional, and physical.

Through the use of biblical references and examples drawn from his own troubled youth, Dixon promotes the awareness of spiritual influences and the need for spiritual counseling. He specifically states, “I don’t believe one must believe in a universal God-power to be morally sound” (11). Oftentimes, the principles of right and wrong are called into question when heightened emotions are involved.

Rearing the emotional balance of a child is just as important as nurturing a sound moral and spiritual foundation. It is only through creating a conscious home environment, understanding the value of self-worth, and breaking the cross-generational cycles of bad behavior that a child can begin to head in a direction of positive influences.

So, what exactly sets this book apart from any other story? As aforementioned, Dixon is a unique authority in the field, having been a juvenile offender himself. In fact, the author first identified this three-fold approach during his own incarceration. He clearly presents his ideas with the latest research, using relevant personal examples to illustrate each point. Perhaps the most outstanding quality of this book is that the author did not set out just to tell his story, he set out to educate and change the way children are raised.

Remember the old adage, it takes a village to raise a child? After reading this book, you will want to build a village to help create a stable and enriching environment for your child. Reclaiming Our Children is a short, easy-to-read handbook suitable for adults as well as teens that are struggling to strike a balance between their maturing identities and societal influences. I highly recommend this book as a tool of discussion for mentors and mentees.