04 Oct Booklist to Honor DVAP Month

October is domestic violence awareness and prevention month. Whether your family has experienced violence and abuse or not, books are a great way to honor this month and learn about healthy relationships and body safety. Here are a few recommendations from the Children’s Room.

Awareness

These books tell the stories of survivors of domestic violence and various types of abuse. Stories like this can help children who’ve experienced such things feel less isolated and alone and give them language for what they’re feeling. They can also help children who haven’t experienced such atrocities develop compassion and understanding for those who have.

The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valerie Fontaine

“A young girl describes what it’s like when her mom’s new friend comes to stay — a moving picture book about domestic violence that ends on a hopeful note.”

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

“In this powerful novel that explodes the stigma around child sexual abuse and leavens an intense tale with compassion and humor, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley tells a story about two sisters, linked by love and trauma, who must find their own voices before they can find their way back to each other.”

Hands by Torrey Maldonado

“Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn’t a fan of his plan, because Trev’s a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future.”

Prevention

On the prevention side, these books teach kids about body safety and consent, which are necessary components of healthy relationships. Familiarity with these concepts can help children recognize and report inappropriate behavior as soon as it starts, before things escalate.

Yes! No! A First Conversation about Consent by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Isabel Roxas

“Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood development, this topic-driven book offers clear, concrete language and imagery to introduce the concept of consent. This book serves to normalize and celebrate the experience of asking for and being asked for permission to do something involving one’s body.”

It’s My Body: A Book about Body Privacy by Louise Spilsbury

“This brightly coloured, illustrated title explains to children about body privacy and why private parts should be kept private. Children will learn that their body belongs to them and they can say ‘no’ if they don’t want anyone to touch their body. They’ll discover what is inappropriate, and be encouraged to speak up if they are uncomfortable with how other people treat them.”

We Can Say No by Lydia Bowers

“This series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings.”

More children’s books on related topics are available here.

Participate

Here are some other ways to observe Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, in partnership with Sheltering Wings, our local domestic violence emergency shelter:

• Participate in a county-wide BINGO game to explore and support local businesses and organizations. Pick up a BINGO card at the library or download one here.
• Attend our Healthy Start: Family Wellness Fair on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Hendricks LIVE!
• Strengthen your community by practicing 31 ways in 31 ways! These simple daily tasks will help set up current and future generations with a strong foundation to reduce the likelihood of abuse.
• Wear purple on Oct. 17 to show your support for survivors of domestic violence.

Stand with us to spread the word, support survivors, and work towards a future free from violence. Healthy communities build healthy families.

Written by Carolyn L., Youth Services Program and Outreach Coordinator