Sunday, September 4, 2011

"Will The Courageous: A Story About Sexual Abuse" by Amy Barth Review

  • Reading level: Ages 4-8
  • Paperback: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Loving Healing Press (May 23, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1615990003
  • ISBN-13: 978-1615990009

Will is a typical six-year-old boy: he loves to tell "knock-knock" jokes, collect bugs, and play with other kids. On most school days, Will goes to Nana Winnie's until his mom returns from work. Will enjoys having his Nana as a babysitter. Recently, Nana's cousin Perry has come to visit and suddenly Will no longer wants to go there. He starts having nightmares, acting out in school and wetting his bed. Wills' parents are worried. What is wrong with Will? 

Will the Courageous: A Story About Sexual Abuse by Amy Barth is a book that every parent needs to read!  When I was offered the opportunity to review it, I was hesitant to delve into the subject matter, but I knew I had to do it!  I was personally familiar with this subject, and have only spoken to a few very close family members and my best friend about it.  Why?  I was scared, and embarrassed!  That is why this book is so important!  No child, or adult for that matter, needs to go through that!!  I grew up during a time when this was not discussed, ever!  I realize now that by ignoring what happened, I was actually keeping all the pain and hurt bottled deep inside.  I never told ANYONE about what had happened to me until I was a 34 year old woman, and going through a horrible divorce.  I never meant to tell my mom, but it just came out!  I have dealt with what happened, and I vow to do everything I can to keep it from happening to other kids!  Thanks to this book, I opened up to my daughter about what had happened to me, and I opened the lines of communication in a whole different manner! 

This book is written in a way that everyone should be able to understand it.  It is well written, and handled in a loving manner!  The illustrations by Richa Kinra are interesting go hand in hand perfectly with the story.  Small children can have things explained in a non-explicit manner, and they are shown that it is not their fault.  I applaud Amy Barth for writing this book, as it is a very delicate subject matter to explore.  Families need to be aware that these things do happen.  Parents need to watch for signs, and they need to give their children the voice to speak out and tell someone!  

Disclosure:  No monetary compensation was received for my review.  I received the book free of charge to facilitate my review from Loving Healing Press as part of a blog tour campaign with Parent Reviewers.  All opinions are my own, your views may be different!

No comments: