Read what people are saying about Strong at the Heart.
honors
reviews
interviews
readers
National Council for the Social Studies, and The Children's Book Council, Notable Trade Book for Young People.
California Collection, 2007
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2007 Master List for grades 9-12.
Texas Library Association, Tayshas Reading List, 2007-2008
Missouri State Teachers Association, Reading Circle program
Skipping Stones Magazine, 2006 Honor Book.
Bank Street College, Children's Book Committee, Teen List, one of twenty five recommended books for teens in 2006.
New York Public Library, 2006 Books for the Teen Age.
Strong at the Heart is a wonderful and empowering collection of survival experiences of sexual abuse. It should be included in the resources for young adult and adolescents who struggle with recovery from sexual abuse... It demonstrates the reality for survivors of abuse: It isn't an easy path of healing but it is attainable.
—The Therapist
Lehman's book is an excellent resource for increasing awareness of the pervasiveness and diversity of sexual abuse, as well as the universal potential for healing from it, at any age.
—Journal of Trauma and Dissociation
(★ ★ ★ ★ ★) If every parent, teacher, librarian and child in America read this book, perhaps we could put a stop to the largely silent epidemic of sexual abuse of our children.
Hip Librarian
Lehman's powerful collection...packs a strong emotional punch. The strength of this sensitive, evenhanded book comes from its increasing awareness about something teens may be silently suffering.
—The Therapist
Lehman's book is an excellent resource for increasing awareness of the pervasiveness and diversity of sexual abuse, as well as the universal potential for healing from it, at any age.
—Journal of Trauma and Dissociation
(★ ★ ★ ★ ★) If every parent, teacher, librarian and child in America read this book, perhaps we could put a stop to the largely silent epidemic of sexual abuse of our children.
Hip Librarian
Lehman's powerful collection...packs a strong emotional punch. The strength of this sensitive, evenhanded book comes from its increasing awareness about something teens may be silently suffering.
—Booklist
The stories here are compelling, each with its individual winding path to healing. The essays reflect the individuality of the survivor. This collection...will undoubtedly touch a nerve, offering insight and hope for many.
—VOYA
Without sensationalizing, the first-person narratives each convey the particulars of an individual experience that will encourage readers' empathy.
—The Horn Book
Excellently balanced. Over and over, the interviewees each say how much it helped to hear that someone else shared their experiences—that they were not alone. One hopes that this book will be that voice for readers.
—Kirkus Reviews
This is a strong book in which other survivors of abuse will see themselves reflected, and in which the rest of us can find guidance as we seek to understand and support friends and family who are dealing with this kind of trauma.
Strong at Heart is a lifeline to those who will need it most…
—Eclectica, review by Tiffany German
The most compelling thing about the book is its honesty -- nothing is watered down or censored.
—Pop Matters, "This Time You Pray for Real."
Strong at the Heart is an important non-fiction book for teen readers, and for anyone who's survived sexual abuse or knows someone who has.
In depth interview with Carolyn Lehman on Cynsations, Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog.
Publishers Weekly: Children's Bookshelf Talks with Carolyn Lehman
"The Heart Can Heal" interviewed by Amy Bowllen on the School Library Journal blog.
Connect for Kids, online chat.
The Times-Standard "Invisible Heroes"
The Denver Post "Books — We Kid You Not"
CBC Magazine
This book is an absolute gift to the world. From the very first page I just feel like I've sat down and been given my own heart in my hands. Each person inside this book is whispering —"Listen, learn, love, forgive—see this new greatness in me."
—Jacqueline Woodson, author of Lena and The House You Pass on the Way
This book helped me find a safer way to heal. I can't wait to get my own copy to read over and over again.
—Jessie, 17, a survivor
Finally—with this book—you learn how people survive and heal. While I've never been in an abuse situation, I can relate to many of the emotions that these strong people felt. This is an extremely powerful and enlightening book.
—Laura, 15
Powerful and right on the money. Every student will want to read it, every teacher should. This is the kind of book that will help the culture understand itself.
—Chris Crutcher, family therapist and author of Chinese Handcuffs
In this timely, important book Carolyn Lehman shows readers the true faces of healing from sexual abuse. By sharing the individual stories of eleven young men and women who have had the courage to speak out, she gives—to all who have been abused—faces, hope, and the healing knowledge that they are not alone. Strong at the Heart is essential—and inspiring—reading.
—Michael Cart, critic and author
When my friend was raped in 7th grade I didn't want to talk about it. I wanted to read a book like this.
—Annemarie, 15
This is a work of caring and love. Strong at the Heart speaks directly to the experiences of teen and young adult survivors of sexual abuse. The young heroes who share their stories are making it safer for many others to break their silence and begin their journeys of recovery. My admiration and thanks to all of them. Carolyn Lehman has created a book that is understanding, respectful, and compassionate.
—Mike Lew, author of Victims No Longer and Leaping Upon the Mountains
