a little off topic
My local independent book seller turned me on to Mia’s Secret, by Peter Ledwon and Marilyn Mets (Tundra Books, 2006). She wanted to know what I thought about it.
I haven’t been writing about picture books on child sexual abuse for quite a while, having gone over to the Young Adult/Adult side, but I’ve followed the field. This book is a winner. Just right for preK and comforting for grades 1 and 2.
As noted in earlier posts, writers for the very young have a very difficult line to walk with this topic. The trick is to give kids the information they need in a way that does not undermine their sense of personal power and their trust in a basically good world.
The usual “stranger danger” message makes kids more vulnerable, not less. Only 6% of sexual assaults are by strangers. Kids are most at risk in their own homes and the homes of trusted adults.
what happens
Mia is a little girl with a purple teddy bear and a secret. Something happened and Mia is unhappy that she can’t tell her mom. In a flashback we see an adult man–who could be an uncle, family friend, or mom’s partner–engaging Mia in a board game and then in secret keeping. The portrayal of what happens next is emotionally accurate, but not anatomically specific.
A wise child reading the book with a parent will know that Mia should tell, and will understand her reluctance. Mia comes up with a solution which is totally age appropriate, ingenious and true. She keeps her promise not to tell, but gets to confide in her mom anyhow. (Keep an eye on the bear!)
Equally appropriate for kids who’ve experienced abuse and those who have not, this book tells just what a preschooler needs to know and nothing more. It’s a great spring board for discussion about secrets, okay games vs. not okay ones, boundaries on touching, and how to say “No” to an adult.
Best of all Mia is no victim. She’s a smart little cookie that kids and adults will cheer for all they way.
