Difficult Topic Addressed by Children's Book
http://www.book-views.com/articles/88/1/Difficult-Topic-Addressed-by-Childrens-Book/Page1.html
Rebecca Boudin
Avid book lover and aspiring writer! By Rebecca Boudin
Published on 06/27/2009
A book review of Amy Barth's picture book, Annabelle's Secret, which addresses the difficult issue of childhood sexual abuse.
Book Review
Amy Barth has created a book that miraculously makes those awkward conversations with children a little bit easier. Annabelle’s Secret
is a great resource for those looking to educate their children about
sexual abuse and how to handle it should it ever happen to them.
The
story is narrated by Annabelle, a fourteen year-old girl who is a
survivor of sexual abuse. An older boy from her neighborhood begins
abusing her when she is only seven years old. During and after the
abuse, Annabelle struggles with the same issues many abuse victims
face. She worries about angering her abuser and parents by telling and
she often feels guilt for letting the abuse occur. Annabelle copes with
these feelings by mistreating herself and refusing to have a healthy,
social life. Once she shares her secret with a parent, the healing
process can begin. She is fortunate enough to receive support from her
parents, counselor, and other survivors following the abuse.
The topic of sexual abuse can be very difficult to discuss with a child. Thankfully, Annabelle’s Secret
is written in a simple, comforting way that will appeal to
children. The text is nicely complemented with bright illustrations. It
could be read with children by parents or teachers to educate them
about sexual abuse and what they can do about it. The book reassures
children that it’s okay to tell someone about it, which is a dilemma
that often plagues abuse victims. This book would also be appropriate
to use by therapists who treat victims of sexual abuse. It offers a
variety of ways a child or young adult can cope with abuse, such as
tracking feelings in a journal, taking a jog, talking with other
victims, or sketching.
Because
of the sensitive nature of sexual abuse, many parents and guardians
choose to forgo discussing it with their children. This choice could be
one they end up regretting. At the very least, providing children with
a copy of this book will give them a good idea of the issue and how to
protect themselves. However, using this book to help start or guide
this important discussion would be even better!