Family Violence

No More Secrets From Me;  Oralee Wachter; 1994; ages 3 to 10; fiction. Short stories that present warnings about early abuse (e.g., touching, inappropriate requests from adults for closeness).

A Safe Place;  Maxine Trottier; 1997; ages 5 to 11; fiction. A beautiful book about domestic violence and the child's and mother's entry into a shelter.

Please Tell!;  "Jessie"; 1991; ages 8 to 11; fiction. A simple story written and illustrated by a 10-year-old. Lays out the important points that the abuse was not the child's fault and that it is important to find someone you can trust to tell about the experience.

Promise Not To Tell;  Carolyn Polese; 1985; ages 10 to 14; fiction. A story about a young girl who experiences sexual advances. Presents the sacrifice involved in keeping it secret and the benefits of telling her parents.

What Jaime Saw;  Carolyn Coman; 1996 (Newbury Honor); ages 13 to 16; fiction. A powerful, disturbing, but hopeful look at a neglected and abused childhood.

May Wolfe;  Cynthia D. Grant; 1995; ages 13 to 18; fiction. A powerful portrait of a family's poverty, homelessness, and alcoholism. Describes a teenager's reaction to the experience.

Straight Talk About Child Abuse;  Susan Mufson and Rachel Kramz; 1991; ages 13 to 18; nonfiction. Discusses various forms of and reactions to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and suggests solutions. The unappealing format is unfortunate.

I Hadn't Meant To Tell You This;  Jacqueline Woodson; 1994; ages 13 to 18; nonfiction. Sensitive and powerful writing about difficult family situations, racism, and class prejudice, along with the tough subject of sexual abuse.

Children and Trauma;  Cynthia Monahon; 1993; adults; nonfiction. Best current book for parents about physical and sexual abuse.

Adapted from:  Ellen C. Perrin, MD Susan Starr, MEd Addressing Common Pediatric Concerns Through Children's Books. Pediatrics in Review. 2000;21:130-138.  © 2000 American Academy of Pediatrics