Strong At The Heart

If you work with young kids or are a parent here’s a book you might want to know about. Healing Stories, by Jacqueline Golding, describes and recommends picture books that deal with “the big and small changes in a child’s life.”

Of course, when I saw it, I immediately turned to the section–at the end–on abuse. The author covers picture books on prevention as well as physical and sexual abuse and violence within the home.

Several excellent books are on the list–ones I’ve read and reviewed in the past. There were also titles new to me.

teen moms

I found out about this book and others at the Northern California Independent Book Sellers Association (NCIBA) annual expo in Oakland, CA. I drove down and spent Friday and most of Saturday at workshops and on the expo floor where Strong at the Heart was displayed with other books by members of the SCBWI (Society of Chilren’s Book Writers and Illustrators). Jacqueline Golding was there, too, with her book.

A suprise pleasure of the expo was getting to know Jacqueline and YA author Deborah Davis. Deborah has several fiction titles out including Not Like You (Clarion) and My Brother Has AIDS (Atheneum).

Her newest book is You Look Too Young To Be A Mom (Penguin). It’s a compelling collection of writing by teen moms who examine their experiences with motherhood. I’m just getting started reading it, but wanted to pass the word along now. I think she’s done a stellar job of giving voice to young women who are finding their way in the world.