Annabelle's Secret

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!

I decided to read Annabelle’s Secret to my children (aged 8 and 10) this week. I thought it was an important topic that we should cover again. I also liked the fact that instead of me telling my children about inappropriate touches and behaviors, I was able to read them a story that had characters that they could relate to. The plot in Annabelle’s Secret follows Annabelle from the age of 7 through 14. Annabelle was touched inappropriately by a neighborhood boy. The story tells her point of view and the issues that she experienced. It also encourages children to tell someone they trust. I think Amy Barth did a wonderful job at telling a story that many shy away from. I think that Amy’s writing is appropriate for younger children, as far as comprehension. However, the book was quite lengthy and I’m not sure younger children would be able to follow along by themselves. I actually think this is a good thing, because I feel like this is a topic best approached with adults because there will certainly be questions that follow. That being said, older or mature children would have no problems reading this book. I personally feel that Annabelle’s Secret is great for younger children, through teens. When children are abused, age doesn’t play a factor and it’s our responsibility to give children the knowledge they need. If we continue to make the topic taboo, children of any age will be too afraid to come forward if something like this should happen to them. I appreciate the honesty that this story deals with. I think that Amy covered quite a few of the issues that one might experience and the prolonged affects of sexual abuse. I would definitely recommend this book to others who are looking to educate children. One of my favorite quotes in this book is the last one which reads, “I’m just wonderfully me!” Annabelle has learned that she can cope with what happened to her with the support from others. Bravo Amy. Many kudos to you for stepping up and approaching this head on with such a positive story.