FICTION

My Body Belongs to Me: A Book About Body Safety

by Jill STARISHEVSKY
illus. by Angela Padrón. 32p. Free Spirit. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781575424613; ebk. ISBN 9781575425948.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—This is the perfect book to help children be aware of abuse and know what do to if it happens to them. A young boy talks about his body and how it is private. One day his uncle's friend touches him inappropriately and, because his parents have taught him what to do, he tells them immediately and they reassure him that he did the right thing. The book also mentions teachers as trusted adults to whom a child can talk. The author concludes with suggestions for sharing this book with children and resources for adults. The bright and bold illustrations are soothing, complementing the rhyming text. A must-have for parents and others who work closely with children.—Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX
New ed., 2008, Safety Star. "Mom and Dad said they were proud / I told them right away. / It made me feel better, too-- / they believed what I had to say." With its clear message, detailed note to adults, and resource list, this well-intentioned story about sexual abuse may be valuable in therapeutic situations. However, the book's effectiveness is hampered by a singsongy rhyming text and uninspired illustrations.
Reviewed by Martha Rico , Jan 01, 2015

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