My Body Is Private

by Linda Walvoord Girard, Rodney Pate (Illustrator)

Julie, who is eight or nine, talks about privacy and about saying "no" to touching that makes her uncomfortable.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many children's books trying to address the issue of molestation/sexual abuse are all about "stranger danger" with seedy men offering children candy or asking for help to find their dog. Stranger danger culture has made our society one filled with terror - no adult, especially male, has the option to help a child the see who might be lost or in danger for fear of having their life ruined by the mere impression that he might have the opportunity to sexually assault a child. I see that culture as far more harmful than any beneficial.

Consequently, it's refreshing to see a book that can talk about privacy, feelings about "private" body parts, and how to react to a situation where someone makes you feel uncomfortable with their touching. This book further points out that unwanted touching is not to be tolerated period - even if its your older brother tickling you until you cry or your relative holding you on their lap like you were an infant when you feel like you're too old for that. Instead of it all being about "stranger danger" its simply teaching children that they have the right AND power to ask someone to stop and if they don't, they should absolutely tell their parent or other trusted adult even if they are threatened or not believed.

PGSE award. (http://kvsdesigns.com/blog/book-awards/)

[Sarah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is broken into two parts. the first part is a short version of Julie's story and how her body is private and who can touch her and about nice touches. this first part is good for preschoolers if they aare being taught about their bodies. The second part takes the first part and adds more to the story and goes into more depth. This part of the book is great for elementry grades when teaching about the body and private areas.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I'll be getting a copy. I like how she talks about unwanted tickling as well as inappropriate sexual contact. The book starts by talking about privacy (her own room, her mail, etc) and then her body. Parts that are harder to work into a story are presented as dialogue between Julie and her mother. The book is not scary in any way - the mom says it probably won't happen, but Julie needs to know what to do just in case, like how she knows what to do if there is a fire.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is great for sexual abuse prevention. It doesn't just jump into talking about sexual touching, but eases into it, which will probably make both kids and parents more comfortable talking about this issue.

[Amber Garrett Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published two years before I was born, you can still find this book on Amazon. Language has changed a bit in the past 40 years, but I think this book still holds up.

Some things I really liked:
-I like the way Girard explains body privacy: nobody else uses my toothbrush, no one else opens my mail, no one comes into my room when the door is closed–all of those things are private, and my body is private too.
-I like the way the book describes touch - “Most of the time I like to be touched.” “I’m glad most touching is good.” We don’t want our kids to be afraid of human touch; it’s something we all need!
-I appreciated Dad’s reprimand to Rob, “with any kind of touching, if somebody says stop, that means stop.”
-Mom reminds Julie that it’s wrong for anyone–a stranger, teacher, babysitter, friend, or even family member–to touch her private parts. Kids need more instruction than the traditional “stranger danger!” The vast majority of kids who are sexually abused know their abuser.
-Mom reminds Julie to tell her, even if the person makes threats or scares Julie. “If I’m not around, tell Daddy or your teacher or some other grownup you trust. If one person doesn’t believe you, tell someone else. Never be afraid to tell. No matter what happened, it’s not your fault. You won’t get into trouble.”

Some things I adjusted while reading:
-The book reminds kids that the parts of their body covered by their bathing suits are private. I added mouths to that list.
-I changed “Sometimes the doctor has to touch my bottom for a check-up. But my mom asked him to tell me first if he’s going to do that” to “Sometimes a doctor may need to check my private parts, but only if mom or dad is with you and he or she should ask you first.”
-When Julie is uncomfortable with Uncle Ted’s affection, Mom encourages her to tell Uncle Ted how she feels. Julie does, and it’s not a problem. I reminded my kids that I will always advocate for them if they’re too scared to speak up or if the other person doesn’t accept their request to stop.

[Angelita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 1982 and usually using older materials can give outdated information or terminology, but after reading a few books about consent geared towards children, this book tends to be the most straight forward about a serious topic. I do hope that maybe there will be an updated version published or maybe something similar.

[Briana Fulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book for teaching children bodily autonomy. The illustrations are outdated but the story is fine.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good reminders!

[HeavyReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book for free after the Spring 2009 Friends of the Library book sale.

The writing is a bit heavy handed, but I guess it's not easy to come up with a light-hearted romp about kids protecting themselves from sexual abuse.

I like that the main character in this book gets her privacy and that her dad tells her big brother that in their family no means no, even when it comes to tickle fights. (I wish someone had told my dad he had to stop tickling me when I didn't like it.)

[Kris Odahowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a frank narrative for families, who want to begin a dialog on protecting oneself from abuse and standing up to a abuser with a trusting adult. In this story the main character does not face abuse but physical closeness from a brother and Uncle that she finds uncomfortable. Her parents tell her to always tell someone if someone touches her on her private parts. Read this on an android phone book is in the Libraries ebook collection.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book to introduce privacy and the responsibility each child has to keep their bodies private, showing the reader other things that are private (bedrooms that say keep out, etc.) - but not disturbing to the point where children would be afraid of any and every touch or suspicious of everyone.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great text to aid in teaching children about keeping their bodies private, however, I do wish a newer version could be published. The pictures reflect the publishing date of 1984, and I think if it were more current, it would be more interesting to students. Overall, this is an excellent resource for helping to prevent childhood sexual abuse.

[lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that you have to keep your body private and it's okay to tell people you don't like it when they touch you. And to always tell your parents if someone touches you in private spots, and even the doctor has to ask you first.

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book about body privacy, autonomy/consent, good touching, and bad touching. The illustrations are unfortunate. It would be worth it to release a new edition with updated resources at the back and more attractive illustrations.

[Mr. Pe Mr. Pe]

this is a great book and i recommend it to everyone

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy says; A good book about keeping your body private that does not freak out your kid with scary what-ifs.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of date, but still delivers perfectly.

[♫✯Em loves Hollenstein✯♫❤the summertime and butterflies all belong to your creation❤]

a good introduction on sexual abuse for kids

[Alyssa LW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this for my kiddos. A little dated, but great nonetheless.