HOUSTON, Tx— In a world where adolescent girls—especially girls of color—are grappling with rising mental health challenges and conflicting messages about their worth, a new book by mental health clinician and advocate Harriett Kou offers a beacon of hope and healing.
Titled I Know Who I Am: In a World Full of Chaos, the book is a daily affirmation guide designed to help teen girls build confidence, develop emotional resilience, and embrace their identity. Drawing from more than a decade of clinical experience, Kou combines her professional insight and personal journey to speak directly to the hearts of young readers.
“This book was born out of both my work and my lived experience,” said Kou, a mother and founder of the BetterPerfectYou movement. “Teen girls are constantly bombarded with images and messages that chip away at their self-worth. I wanted to offer them a tool that not only uplifts but equips them to define themselves on their own terms.”
Structured around affirmations, reflection prompts, and guided exercises, I Know Who I Am targets readers ages 12 to 18 and is also tailored for use by parents, educators, counselors, and youth organizations. The book centers themes such as self-esteem, emotional wellness, identity, and purpose—especially through a culturally affirming lens for girls of color.
With mental health concerns among teens surging—particularly anxiety, depression, and identity confusion—Kou said her book aims to fill a gap between professional therapy and day-to-day emotional support.
“This isn’t just a workbook—it’s a wellness companion,” she said. “It speaks to girls who are trying to find peace in the midst of chaos, and reminds them daily: you are not lost, you are learning who you are.”
Educators and mental health advocates have praised the book for its accessible language and affirming tone, noting its potential as a classroom or group therapy resource. Schools, churches, and youth development programs across Houston have already begun integrating the book into their programming.
“Harriett has created something deeply necessary,” said Jasmine Lott, a Houston-based school counselor. “This book doesn’t talk at girls—it speaks with them. That makes all the difference.”
Kou, who lives in Houston with her children, said she hopes the book inspires a new generation of girls to “own their voice and value.” Through BetterPerfectYou, she also leads workshops and speaking engagements focused on self-awareness and emotional intelligence for youth and women.
I Know Who I Am: In a World Full of Chaos is now available in print and digital formats on Amazon and other major platforms.
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