Little Lady Plays reviews “Annabelle’s Secret”

Little Lady Plays reviews “Annabelle’s Secret: A Story about Sexual Abuse” written by Amy Barth and illustrated by Richa Kinra.

Here is a synopsis of the storyline, be sure to read the full review here as well as watching the video above:

Annabelle was a bright little girl who loved playing. One day she met a boy who tricked her into joining a secret club. The club as it turned out to be was only the two of them. At first Annabelle felt funny being touched and having touched Joel, but he reassured her this is how to be big.

Instead of seeking help, Annabelle avoided public and spend most of her time indoors. Finally, she told her mother what had happened.

Annabelle’s mother was very kind and gentle. She took Annabelle for help and when they felt all was well, life went on normally. This took a turn for the worse when Annabelle became a teenager.

Parent Reviewers reviews “Will the Courageous”

Thanks to Loving Healing Press, our panel of reviewers had the opportunity to review two of the following books. Check out  their thoughts on each book below:

1. Will The Courageous: A Story About Sexual Abuse by Amy Barth

Will the Courageous: A Story About Sexual Abuse

 

  • ISBN-10: 1615990003
  • ISBN-13: 978-1615990009

Will is a typical six-year-old boy: he loves to tell “knock-knock jokes”, collect bugs, and play with other kids. On most school days, Will goes to Nana Winnie’s until his mom returns from work. Will enjoys having his Nana as a babysitter. Recently, Nana’s cousin Perry has come to visit and suddenly Will no longer wants to go there. He starts having nightmares, acting out in school and wetting his bed. Will’s parents are worried. What is wrong with Will?

Chanel’s Journal : After reading this book, I as parent must make sure we equip ourselves in educating our kids. Also, we need to take time to be close with our kids to ensure them that we are there for them so that they are feeling secure and not in fear. Be our kids’ good friend whom they can rely and trust on.

It is a great book for me to read with JL on our journey of learning and understanding…

2 Thumbs & A Dummy -We think that it was definitely well written and once again, simple and easy to understand for school going children. In my opinion, some bits of the story were somewhat graphic but I think this is totally unavoidable due to the message that Ms. Barth wants to bring forth. I think even when Arianna is old enough to understand, it is going to be uncomfortable for me to read it to her but it will be done because we need to educate our children about these sadly, common encounters.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

Mom 2 BB Reviews – The number of sexual abuse cases among children are on the rise but yet, this is a subject that many parents find difficult to broach. With books like Will The Courageous, it helps ease the communication of such issue between parents and young children. It enables us to teach our young children and make them aware of the difference between the touch of someone who is showing them affection and the touch or approaches of someone who is trying to take sexual advantage of them.

Rambling Moo – This book is very helpful for those who works with children such as counselors, doctors and staff working with children as well as parents of young children. The author has written this book in a very easy to understand manner which is suitable for any children between the age of 6-9. Children in this age group will understand about what  “inappropriate touching” is about and how they can relate their experience to their parents or caregivers should they are a victim of sexual abuse.

Jamerican Spice – This book is easy to read and understand without sharing too many explicit details so it’s perfect for a child. The illustrations are expressive and interesting and the book is written very well. I would definitely recommend this book!

Tsue ~ That’s What She Said -As uncomfortable as this topic is, the statistics indicate that all children need to be educated about appropriate touching, in an age appropriate manner, and to trust their internal alarms.  Will the Courageous ~ A Story About Sexual Abuse is an excellent resource for accomplishing this difficult task

Find yourself…among friends at Camp Amy for Adult Survivors

Camp Amy
Camp Amy

Welcome to Camp Amy! Get ready for five transformative days of hope, discovery and empowerment. At Camp Amy, you’ll meet women much like yourself – courageous, capable, and confident – yet still struggling with the trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA). Camp Amy is for women who are ready to move forward, ready to overcome, and ready to replace surviving with thriving.

Some may ask, “Camp? For women? Why not a posh retreat?” The answer is simple: Because it works. As a survivor of CSA, you’ve been deprived of the innate innocence of youth. In a natural and peaceful setting, you’ll enjoy the excitement of traditional camp activities like kayaking, biking, ropes course and camp fires. Each will initiate the playfulness and freedom vital to overcoming childhood trauma.

In addition, you’ll focus on art therapy, music therapy, spoken word poetry, yoga, mindfulness, process groups and other therapeutic models. You’ll learn the necessary skills to help you become aware and connect with your feelings, as well as embracing the importance of mind/body connection.

But perhaps most important, you’ll discover the healing power of community. You’ll make new friends, share similar experiences, and find hope as you realize that you’re not alone. We at Camp Amy are here to cheer you on as you learn to put the past behind you!

*Camp Amy is modeled after Camp Cadi which was created by Safe Girls Strong Girls founder, Amy Barth.

Lauri C. Coates reviews 101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders

By Lauri C. Coates (MASCOUTAH, IL United States) – See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   This is a great book for any survivor of sex abuse, of nearly any age. Written in a very easy to understand format, it is simple and straightforward. The main point is made over and over again…..IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! This little gem of a book reminds survivors over and over, and that’s a needed reminder, as most abuse survivors do tend to blame themselves.

The book doesn’t cover any new ground in the fight against sexual abuse; but it’s purpose is really to assist survivors, not give professionals more knowledge. I have worked with sexual abuse survivors in the past; and all these topics will prove helpful and help with the healing process. Reminding people that there are good days and bad days is essential. It’s not like having an illness or disease; it never totally goes away. But working through it can make recovery possible.

If you have a loved one or friend that is dealing with abuse, they will find this book helpful. Read it yourself, and you will gain insight into helping those you love deal with what can be a devasting incident.

Rebby reviews Annabelle’s Secret

Difficult Topic, Nice Book, June 26, 2009

By  Rebby (Illinois) – See all my reviews

Amy Barth has created a book that miraculously makes those awkward conversations with children a little bit easier. Annabelle’s Secret is a great resource for those looking to educate their children about sexual abuse and how to handle it should it ever happen to them.

The story is narrated by Annabelle, a fourteen year-old girl who is a survivor of sexual abuse. An older boy from her neighborhood begins abusing her when she is only seven years old. During and after the abuse, Annabelle struggles with the same issues many abuse victims face. She worries about angering her abuser and parents by telling and she often feels guilt for letting the abuse occur. Annabelle copes with these feelings by mistreating herself and refusing to have a healthy, social life. Once she shares her secret with a parent, the healing process can begin. She is fortunate enough to receive support from her parents, counselor, and other survivors following the abuse.

The topic of sexual abuse can be very difficult to discuss with a child. Thankfully, Annabelle’s Secret is written in a simple, comforting way that will appeal to children. The text is nicely complemented with bright illustrations. It could be read with children by parents or teachers to educate them about sexual abuse and what they can do about it. The book reassures children that it’s okay to tell someone about it, which is a dilemma that often plagues abuse victims. This book would also be appropriate to use by therapists who treat victims of sexual abuse. It offers a variety of ways a child or young adult can cope with abuse, such as tracking feelings in a journal, taking a jog, talking with other victims, or sketching.

Because of the sensitive nature of sexual abuse, many parents and guardians choose to forgo discussing it with their children. This choice could be one they end up regretting. At the very least, providing children with a copy of this book will give them a good idea of the issue and how to protect themselves. However, using this book to help start or guide this important discussion would be even better!

Reader Views reviews 101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders

101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders: A Pocket Book of Wisdom
Amy Barth
Loving Healing Press (2009)
ISBN 9781615990016
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/09)

“101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders” is only a twenty-two page book. Yet within those pages is a great deal of tips that also include inspirational thoughts to help someone with an eating disorder on their road to recovery. In the first part of the book, the author tells the story about how she dealt with the pain of having an eating disorder. I think that most, if not all, readers will find themselves totally relating with her in this section and they will know that they are not alone.

In addition to other common experiences, the author and I both shared having a female role model
that supported our disease. While they might not realize it themselves, it was pretty apparent to both the author and me that this was the case. I could definitely pick this up in her writings. For me,
when I went through a hideous divorce, the role model in my life commented, “Well, it was too bad
that it happened, but at least she lost the weight.”

If others out there are reading this, and remembering similar experiences, please note that they will
find themselves relating even more to the 101 tips covered in these pages. Before you even get into the tips, read the section about the ten lessons that the author learned along the way. They are so true. As you read through the 101 tips, there are spaces that you can journal your thoughts about the tips that apply to you. I highly suggest that you do this so that you can really reflect on the tips and think about applying them to your life. The colorful illustrations that are on each page will help keep you in a positive frame of mind.

I highly recommend “101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders” by Amy Barth for people
who are contemplating recovery, in recovery, or think that that they have recovered from eating
disorders. You will discover healthy ways to cope with your eating disorder as you learn to heal.

101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders: A Pocket Book of Wisdom

If you’re recovering from an Eating Disorder (E.D.) it’s important to take one day at a time. Let 101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders be your companion in healing and you’ll be reminded of the strength and wisdom that’s already inside you.  This book will help you celebrate the good days and develop solid coping strategies for the bad times. Most importantly, this book will remind that you’re not alone and recovery is possible.

Acclaim for 101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders: A Pocket Book of Wisdom

“If you struggle with food or body image, 101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders needs to be on your coffee table or nightstand. Amy Barth’s bite-sized nuggets of wisdom and inspiration will help to pick you up on rough days, give you much-needed hope everyday, and keep you moving along the journey to freedom.”
–Jenni Schaefer, author of Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder

101 Tips for Recovering from Eating Disorders is a heartfelt and helpful tool for anybody who is trying to recover from an eating disorder. It is one of those books you can take with you as your companion knowing that when times are tough, you can draw strength from reading its tips.”
–Irene Celcer, MA, LCSW

“Amy Barth graciously shares her own heart-filled knowledge and insider secrets to creating a rich and satisfying life. Barth’s words, culled from years of experience, make this book not only indispensible, but also a roadmap to success. ”
–Dr. Annette Colby, author of Body Redesign: Goal Setting Secrets for a Thinner, Happier You

About the author
Amy Barth is a thriver possessing a passion for girls and women who need to be set free in their mind and their hearts. Her background is in social work and she founded Safe Girls Strong Girls in 2005–an organization committed to breaking the silence of childhood sexual abuse and giving girls their voices back. Camp CADI is the only camp of its kind where girls can heal and just be girls again. She is the author of several books including Annabelle’s Secret and 101 Tips For Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Pocket Book of Wisdom .

For more information, visit www.AmyJBarth.com

From Loving Healing Press, www.LovingHealing.com

Self-Help : Eating Disorders – General