Reading Resources

After a child discloses sexual abuse, caregivers may have many questions about what happens next. Here is a list of books that can be helpful to a family where a child is a victim of sexual abuse. It is important to keep in mind that books should be used with therapy and not in place of counseling services. Remember to read each book before sharing it with children!

For Children

My Body Is Private by Linda Walvoord Girard

Telling Isn't Tattling by Kathryn M. Hammerseng

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Spelman

Those Are My Private Parts by Diane Hansen (for young children)

Tears of Joy by Barbara Behm (ages 4 and up)

For Teenagers

It Happened To Me: A Teen's Guide to Overcoming Sexual Abuse (workbook) by William Lee Carter

We Are Not Alone: A Teenage Boy's Personal Account of Child Sexual Abuse from Disclosure Through Prosecution & Treatment by Jade C. Angelica

We Are Not Alone: A Teenage Girl's Personal Account of Child Sexual Abuse from Disclosure Through Prosecution & Treatment by Jade C. Angelica

Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse by Dr. Patti Feuersteisen

For Parents/Caregivers

Children Changed by Trauma: A Healing Guide by Debra Alexander

When Your Child Has Been Molested: A Parent's Guide to Healing & Recovery by Kathryn Brohl

Healing the Harm Done: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child Overcome the Effects of Sexual Abuse by Jennifer Levy-Peck

For Adult Survivors of Abuse

Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide to Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Wendy Maltz

The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

The Courage to Heal Workbook by Laura Davis

Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse by Mike Lew

For Special Populations

No Secrets No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal From Sexual Abuse  by Robin Stone

I Will Survive: The African American Guide to Healing From Sexual Assaults and Abuse by Lori Robinson

I Can Be Safe! by the Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services