My Body Belongs to Me

January 1, 2015

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

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
Preschool-G In this purposeful picture book, a brown-toned child (who could be either a boy or a girl) reflects on the theme stated in the title, as well as parental advice on what to do if someone touches one's private parts. When a family friend inappropriately touches the young narrator, the child immediately finds his or her parents and tells them what has happened. They reassure the child that he or she did nothing wrong, but, in fact, did just the right thing. Starishevsky offers a rhyming text to help parents open a discussion about inappropriate touching and how to handle such encounters. While the wording occasionally sounds forced to complete a rhyme, the book's message is well-thought-out and clearly communicated. Like the text, the serviceable digital illustrations make the book more broadly accessible by portraying a child whose racial and gender identity is unclear. An appended section suggests 12 practical tips for parents. A useful resource, previously self-published with different illustrations.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2014
"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.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)