JESSICA WARREN

Tarleton READ 3301

ANNOTATED
BIBLIOGRAGHY
Abuse

Delp, Valorie, Love to know. Evaluate childrens literature

Summary
With so many childrens book out there, adults have to set standards on literature before
introducing it to the child, according to Valorie Delp. This article states that classics are great
and should be compared with modern books to help evaluate them. Each book is determined to
be great by the reader, but there are multiple aspects to consider. Creativity, subject matter,
worth prose, illustrations and readers response are critical to evaluate childrens literature. The
creativity of a book should further the readers imagination and engage them. Questions to be
asked while analyzing the creativity are listed, such as; does the remake bring its own uniqueness
to the story and is the story bizarre or does it actually elaborate on real life occurrences. The
subject matter should deal with complex or original issues in the right manner. Examples of
books are provided along with the issues it examines within the story. Books with worthy prose
must provoke thought. This is the most difficult aspect of gauging works since it is dependent on
the eye of the beholder. Vocabulary and language are the more important qualities to focus. Just
because a book rhymes does not mean it always benefits children. Illustrations should be
gorgeous or done creatively. The author gives four illustrators to use as a reference to find great
literature. A readers response can tell more than critics. For instance, it has been witnessed in
the past where books come out and receive negative feedback from critics but end up being a
classic. There are many ways to evaluate childrens books, but overall it needs to be engaging,
unique, good vocabulary and challenging to the reader.
Quotes

Suffice it to say that not all books are created equal (p.1).
Criterion that is regularly used to evaluate childrens literature is how the book deals

with difficult or unique subject matter (p.2).

The language used is deep and thought provoking as opposed to trite or simplistic (p.3).

Lampert, J., & Walsh, K. (2010, April 28). Keep Telling Until Someone Listens:
Understanding Prevention Concepts in Childrens Picture Books Dealing with Child
Sexual Abuse. Childrens Literature in Education, 146-167.
Summary
This article, Keep Telling Until Someone Listens: Understanding Prevention Concepts in
Childrens Picture Books Dealing with Child Sexual Abuse, analyzes fifteen childrens books
geared toward three to eight year olds, by using eighteen different criteria. Adults searching for
childrens books dealing with sexual abuse need to look at how the stories help children
comprehend sexual abuse, deter it, speak about it, and handle the after effects. Books assist
children in discovering the complicated issues within life. Sexual abuse can be talked about on
three levels, one, on a universal level in hopes to raise awareness to all, two, it can be geared
toward children more likely to experience abuse and will focus on risks faced and how to handle
them. Thirdly, it can be used to help children cope with the abuse they have already faced and
ways to prevent future abuse. These books should inform children to spot, stop, and speak to an
adult about sexual abuse. Notes to guide adults while reading these stories were found in all
fifteen books. Lacking from most of the books are what happens after an adult is told about the
abuse.
Quotes

[S]trategies for preventing child abuse should begin in the early childhood years.

(p.147)
Through exploring stories, discussions and sharing experiences, children can extend

their understanding of the complexities of life and the world. (p. 148)
[A]s children grow older, research tells us they may choose to confide in peers rather
than a parent or trusted adult. (p. 153)

Mankiw, Sue; Strasser, Janis, (2013) Tender topics. Exploring sensitive inssues with Pre-K
through first grade children through read-alouds, pp 84-89
Summary
This article by Mankiw and Strasser talks about the difficulty of discussing tender topics with
children. The article is geared toward teachers, but good advice for any grownup. Adults can
discuss the appropriate topic with people they know going through or who have gone through
similar situations being explored. Literature helps children, but the book alone is not enough.
Adults must discuss and answer questions about the topic along with the text being read. Being
educated on the topic at hand prepares adults to correct the childs preconceived ideas. Multiple
books are out there and adults need to review the literature before offering it to children. More
than five questions are provided to ask about books as well as ideas for specific topics. Before
discussing difficult subjects think of your own feelings and connections to the topic. The article
specifically notes books and their content concerning divorce, cancer, family diversity,
disabilities, death, military deployment, and race. Be ready to start the conversation and answer
questions, however, if you do not feel comfortable speaking about sensitive issues you could
then practice with a friend before reading it to the child to become more at ease. It behooves
children to be exposed to different books due to the fact that not all of the information on one
topic can be found in one book. At the end, this article makes available more resources in the
form of about ten websites and four journal articles for further assistance. It is good to keep in
mind that you do not need to indulge all of the information but the point more so is to shine light
on the topic.
Quotes

It is important to view tender topics not as problems, but as subjects that are part of the

everyday lives of children and families (p.85).

Is the story developmentally appropriate and interesting (p.86)?
Be prepared to address misunderstandings (p.88).

McDaniel, C. (2001, September). Childrens Literature as Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.

Childrens Literature in Education, 32(3), 203-224.
Summary
This article, Childrens Literature as Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, discusses the importance
of using books to teach about sexual abuse. Most children abused are around age eight and know
their offender. Thirteen childrens books dealing with sexual abuse are evaluated by nine criteria
for children ages four to eight. Literature can show children they are normal and not alone in
these situations. Children need to be told by an adult that it is ok to say no to adults if you feel
uncomfortable. Adults must be informed to guide children through their understanding.
Children normally do not tell another adult about abuse experiences. If they do choose to tell
and that person does not believe them, they feel guilty. Adults need to be equipped to identify
poor reading material. The readers age will play a large role in selecting appropriate books.
The author evaluates all thirteen books using the nine criteria and explains what is present or
lacking from the criteria. It is important to remember that one book should not address all nine
criteria. Too much information given at once will not stick. Several books should be read to
children for them to fully comprehend a complex topic. A variety of books can also give
different viewpoints on a situation. Although the majority of this article is for younger children,
a section gives recommendations for children over the age of eight.
Quotes

Literature can be powerful, inspiring, encouraging, informational and potentially life-

changing. (p.204)
Statistics reveal that in 85-95% of child sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator is someone

the child knows and depends on. (p. 205)

[S]exual abuse is a debilitating and destructive reality for many people who typically
suffer in silence, children need the skills and permission to take care of themselves
(p.208).

Smith-DArezzo, W. M., & Thompson, S. (2006, June 16). Topics of Stress and Abuse in Picture
Books for Children. Childrens Literature in Education, 335-347.
Summary
Books are examined in this article to find well written literature where children age eight or
younger can identify with characters or circumstances. A reoccurring message tells readers that
children need to read books that deal with tough issues, as well as see themselves in the story.
Children struggling with abuse need optimism and comprehension from adults, peers, and
literature. This is important because without an end in sight they can easily become discouraged.
Genuine stories should be prevalent in the childs book selection for the purpose of engaging
them. Books should send the message to abuse victims that is it not their fault, otherwise, they
will take the blame for what has happened to them. It is of great importance for adults to provide
a starting point of conversation to open the dialogue between the child and yourself. Through the
use of literature, children can expand their understanding of a particular issue. Thirteen books
are analyzed by the author and broken down by genre and main issue, furthermore the literacy
works are scrutinized to help find the right books for children and their personal experiences.
Avoid stories that provide impractical conclusions because it leaves children wanting something
that can never happen. History gives a unique way for adults to discuss situations that have
occurred and relate it to modern times. Everyday children are exposed to violence, but rarely do
they get a chance to talk about what they see and go through. Many children confide in friends
their age, therefore, we need to teach the how-to and importance of speaking up for others who
do not know to do so.
Quotes

Children benet greatly from reading literature that reects authentic situations in life,

situations they can relate to (p.335)

Providing children with reading material that is relevant to their lives is extremely

important (336).
The happy ending is unrealistic and can offer false hope for children (p.340).

The Blue Ribbon Project - Awareness. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2016, from
http://theblueribbon.org/awareness.html
Summary
The Blue Ribbon Project was formed to assist both children and adult survivors of child abuse.
As stated in this site, there are over 3 million instances of child abuse and neglect that have been
called into CPS, this is not counting the incalculable more that are suffering. It is staffed with all
volunteers who acknowledge the victims of abuse and neglect will be struggling throughout their
lives to some degree. This site emphasizes the need of a close knit group in which everyone can
be open with and rely on others. The Blue Ribbon Projects website has resources for both
children and adults. Quite a few articles are provided that deal with some form of abuse, from
personal experiences to poems related to abuse. A section on the site provides books that deal
with abuse. Each book has reviews and is connected to Amazon if you choose to buy a book.
Since abuse can stem from different causes there are articles from drug and alcohol addictions to
mental health information. Articles on this site help with awareness, suicide prevention,
speaking out and healing. There is an entire program set aside to help kids learn the ways to
communicate when abuse is taking place. The Blue Ribbon Project has several programs
including one that helps foster children that are ready to move out on their own and prepare for
life in the world. Another program is called Backpacks of Love, volunteers fill the backpacks
with basic needs such as tooth brush, hair brush, change of clothes, and etc. A third program is
Job Connect, this helps young adults fill out applications and find jobs.
Quotes

There are an estimated 686,000 children that are the victims of child abuse and neglect

each year (Home page).

We all have an obligation to stand up for the rights of children and to be their voice

when it matters (Homepage).

I remember thinking that I was the only kid who was abused (Founders blog).

WESLEY'S WORLD SERIES . (n.d.). Retrieved November 22, 2016, from

http://www.childwise.org.au/page/73/books
Summary
The Child Wise Website was established to reduce child abuse and care for the children affected
by abuse. There are many opportunities for volunteers. They also offer seminars and training for
any adult interested in helping the community. Supporters of this site range from restaurants,
cinemas and even companies such as Google. Child Wise works with the community to help
daycares, schools, sporting clubs, and religious organizations to raise awareness and promote
safety for the children. The site starts by telling the importance of talking with children about
safety and offers several literary options to open the lines of communication. Each book is
geared towards self-protection. The author gives a brief summary of each book and the issues
the book deals with. Most of the summaries include an appropriate age range to best inform and
help encourage open discussion. There is a tab directed solely for care givers to help them take
preventative actions. There are several publications on the site to show caregivers ways to
engage children in role playing to stay safe. Other publications help caregivers identify signs of
abuse and teaches them ways to approach the issue and where to go for additional help if needed.
There is a great section with fact sheets. These are one page documents with helpful information
with everything from telling what child abuse is to legislation on abuse. Another great
informational page giving appropriate behaviors for children ages one to eighteen.
Quotes

Social overlays or judgements should be managed carefully in order to appropriately

respond to the behaviors in the first instance (Normal vs concerning sexual development

in children, Fact Sheet).

Researching and responding to emerging risks to children and young people (About

Child Wise).
Working with child-focused organizations to improve child protection mechanisms and
create safer environments for children and young people (About Child Wise).