I Don't Want to Go to Justin's House Anymore [Paperback]

Heather Klassen (Author), Beth Jepson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Mom doesn't understand why Collin is reluctant to go to his best friend's house. Justin's dad lost his job and can't find a new one. Unfortunately he is taking out his frustration on his son. Once Collin's mom realizes that Justin is being abused, she and Collin decide to help his friend.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-When children go to play at a friend's house, they may see and experience things they have trouble articulating. Collin tries to tell his busy mom that he doesn't want to go to Justin's house, but like many preoccupied adults, she doesn't really listen. At his friend's house, the boys' play is disturbed, first when Collin sees bruises on Justin's back, and then when the child's angry father calls him into another room. Collin is upset by the sounds he overhears. Uncertain what to do, he calls his mother and asks her to come and get him. As they walk home, he tells her what has happened. While no unrealistic promises are made, Collin's mother takes responsibility to "make the call today to someone who can help Justin and his parents" and there is a hopeful ending. Collage illustrations convey the woman's protective gestures and the suburban neighborhood on a snowy day. However, the children's purple and green skin color is a little harder to relate to. This well-told, very short story gives parents and teachers an occasion to talk with young children about communication, personal safety, and the difference between a bad mood and abuse.
Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: CWLA Press (Child Welfare League of America) (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878687246
• ISBN-13: 978-0878687244
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,367,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is good for abused children's friends, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: I Don't Want to Go to Justin's House Anymore (Paperback)

This book teaches children that there is help for their friends or themselves if they are abused. This, if read at schools could save many children's childhoods!

3.0 out of 5 stars distorted, September 9, 2010

By 

tootsie (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Don't Want to Go to Justin's House Anymore (Paperback)

Bruises are not necessary for abuse.

Abuse is being demeaned, terrorized, and hit day after day. It is someone telling you are lazy, stupid, ugly, crazy, and worthless day after day. It is someone coming into your room every little bit and screaming and flailing at you. It is someone spanking and hitting you day after day you for things you did not do. It is someone lying about you. It is someone saying you can't have what your sibling has because you are bad. It is someone claiming your As are really Fs that you changed. It is someone messing with your sense of realty. It is someone driving a wedge between you and other family members. It is someone enlisting other family members in the abuse. It is someone telling you to runaway. It is someone deliberately ignoring you. It is someone always against you. It is someone who says they can kill you and no one would do anything about it. It is someone trying to accidently-on-purpose kill you. It is living in constant fear.

It is wrong to give the impression that there must be physical evidence of abuse.