Annabelle's Secret: A Story about Sexual Abuse

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Annabelle's Secret: A Story about Sexual Abuse

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Annabelle has a secret. When she was seven years old, she was approached by a neighborhood boy and invited into a "secret club." Unfortunately, this club was just a ruse for thirteen-year-old Joel to groom Annabelle for abuse. A few years later, when Annabelle turns eleven, she finds some bad feelings have returned for her.
Experts Acclaim for "Annabelle's Secret"
"Amy B...more Annabelle has a secret. When she was seven years old, she was approached by a neighborhood boy and invited into a "secret club." Unfortunately, this club was just a ruse for thirteen-year-old Joel to groom Annabelle for abuse. A few years later, when Annabelle turns eleven, she finds some bad feelings have returned for her.
Experts Acclaim for "Annabelle's Secret"
"Amy Barth's Annabelle could be just the 'friend' a sexually abused child needs, and it models just what parents should to do if their child shares about sexual abuse. A great little resource for children, parents, schools, therapists, treatment agencies, and prevention programs."
--Karen R. Nash, LCSW
""Annabelle's Secret" is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book for children that tells the difficult tale of Annabelle, what happened to her, and what she did to stop the sexual abuse that she was experiencing. The book is written in a straightforward yet compelling manner that exposes the excruciating situation that far too many children experience. This book is a welcome and needed addition to the tools that we have for children and families and service providers for dealing openly about child sexual abuse."
--Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, Founder and CEO
Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, Inc
""Annabelle's Secret" supports important issues regarding sexual abuse that may arise in a young girl's life. Written like a comforting letter from a survivor, the young reader will become aware of the importance and safety to report any encounters. The book is simply written and in understandable terms for any 6 to 9-year old. The information is concise, yet heartening and loving. Annabelle's Secret should be read with a parent present to encourage dialog about this significant subject."
--Irene Watson, author of "The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference"
"Annabelle relates a story that reconfirms what I have observed over many years. Abused children, male or female, universally believe that it is their fault. Their self-image is mangled; they need to tell the truth; and they must get help from someone who knows how to treat such an injury to the soul."
--Fr. Heyward B. Ewart, III, PhD, "Author of Am I Bad? Recovering From Abuse"
To learn more, please visit www.AmyJBarth.com From Loving Healing press www.LovingHealing.com
Juvenile Fiction: Social Issues - Sexual Abuse(less)

Paperback, 20 pages

Published May 15th 2009 by Loving Healing Press

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Mar 17, 2011 Pam Leffler rated it 5 of 5 stars

I decided to read Annabelle’s Secret to my children (aged 8 and 10) this week. I thought it was an important topic that we should cover again. I also liked the fact that instead of me telling my children about inappropriate touches and behaviors, I was able to read them a story that had characters that they could relate to.

The plot in Annabelle’s Secret follows Annabelle from the age of 7 through 14. Annabelle was touched inappropriately by a neighborhood boy. The story tells her point of view...more I decided to read Annabelle’s Secret to my children (aged 8 and 10) this week. I thought it was an important topic that we should cover again. I also liked the fact that instead of me telling my children about inappropriate touches and behaviors, I was able to read them a story that had characters that they could relate to.

The plot in Annabelle’s Secret follows Annabelle from the age of 7 through 14. Annabelle was touched inappropriately by a neighborhood boy. The story tells her point of view and the issues that she experienced. It also encourages children to tell someone they trust. I think Amy Barth did a wonderful job at telling a story that many shy away from. I think that Amy’s writing is appropriate for younger children, as far as comprehension. However, the book was quite lengthy and I’m not sure younger children would be able to follow along by themselves. I actually think this is a good thing, because I feel like this is a topic best approached with adults because there will certainly be questions that follow. That being said, older or mature children would have no problems reading this book. I personally feel that Annabelle’s Secret is great for younger children, through teens. When children are abused, age doesn’t play a factor and it’s our responsibility to give children the knowledge they need. If we continue to make the topic taboo, children of any age will be too afraid to come forward if something like this should happen to them.

I appreciate the honesty that this story deals with. I think that Amy covered quite a few of the issues that one might experience and the prolonged affects of sexual abuse. I would definitely recommend this book to others who are looking to educate children. One of my favorite quotes in this book is the last one which reads, “I’m just wonderfully me!” Annabelle has learned that she can cope with what happened to her with the support from others.

Bravo Amy. Many kudos to you for stepping up and approaching this head on with such a positive story.
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