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krgreen's review against another edition
5.0
As an educator who works with children experiencing mental health difficulties, I try to be aware of the resources available to support uncomfortable conversations.
As a personal story, this is a raw, honest, and appropriately-detailed exploration of how people can feel afraid and how telling a trusted adult is the best advice for resolving things and keeping everyone safe.
I would say that there were places in Danielle’s story where I felt the words could have been clearer. As realistic as actual words are, I did need to read a few paragraphs multiple times to make sense of the events.
My one critique is that a lot of emphasis is put on the fighting back and getting away. I appreciate that this is one person’s story, and appreciate that some other examples are given within it, however I feel that for a child who had not ‘fought back’ immediately, the emphasis could lead to feelings of guilt or not being strong enough / not doing the right thing by staying quiet.
The part about court and how to access support after was very clear and the message to keep telling until an adult believes you is a huge positive. Finding that one good grownup is a powerful message, and having been trained as a Trusted Adult Worker by my local Crime Commission myself, it’s exactly what every child should know to do.
We as a society definitely do send conflicting messages and this would be a great book for an adult or parent to read who wants to understand how to explore this topic.
We need to speak up more to reduce the stigma and support our fellow good grownups to have the right tools for these conversations.
As a personal story, this is a raw, honest, and appropriately-detailed exploration of how people can feel afraid and how telling a trusted adult is the best advice for resolving things and keeping everyone safe.
I would say that there were places in Danielle’s story where I felt the words could have been clearer. As realistic as actual words are, I did need to read a few paragraphs multiple times to make sense of the events.
My one critique is that a lot of emphasis is put on the fighting back and getting away. I appreciate that this is one person’s story, and appreciate that some other examples are given within it, however I feel that for a child who had not ‘fought back’ immediately, the emphasis could lead to feelings of guilt or not being strong enough / not doing the right thing by staying quiet.
The part about court and how to access support after was very clear and the message to keep telling until an adult believes you is a huge positive. Finding that one good grownup is a powerful message, and having been trained as a Trusted Adult Worker by my local Crime Commission myself, it’s exactly what every child should know to do.
We as a society definitely do send conflicting messages and this would be a great book for an adult or parent to read who wants to understand how to explore this topic.
We need to speak up more to reduce the stigma and support our fellow good grownups to have the right tools for these conversations.
noonanjohnc's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Racism, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Rape
jainabee's review against another edition
5.0
We all need "a Joyce" in our lives— a "good grown-up" who can help kids understand and cope with challenging experiences in a healthy way. This warm and friendly family book directly addresses the scary and confusing experience of childhood sexual assault with honesty and clarity, without the slightest trace of condescension. I mean, this is Joyce Brabner! The focus is on the strength and courage of the survivor; recognizing and celebrating it with a courage party! The fun, colorful illustrations support and expand upon the plainly and calmly told details of this true story. The book answers many many questions about the many levels of coping with an assault, from telling a "good grownup," through the legal and medical process—including a great resources section and a glossary— and all the way to moving on with life and being a playful kid again. I wish this book had been around when i was a kid. I think every home needs a copy of this.
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