Customer Reviews

My Body Belongs to Me

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and the straightforward concept, and I was not disappointed by the book's core content. However, there are lengthy passages before and after the story that are intended for parents, detailing the mission of the book. Well, this poses a bit of a problem for me. My 7-year-old is an avid reader, and she will read every word. If she's anything like I was when I was a kid, she'll especially scrutinize the parts that are clearly intended for adults (smaller font, no pictures).

I'm no prude, but in the "About the Book" section, it starts off "As a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for more than a decade, I have often encountered children who were sexually abused for lengthy periods of time..." Yeah, I just can't imagine myself trying to explain what this means to my daughter. I thought about cutting out the leading and closing pages that make frequent use of the terms "sexual abuse," but I'd lose part of the core story.

To be fair, this book is clearly written for pre-readers... the tone/cadence are most appropriate for preschoolers (e.g., "This is my body, and it belongs just to me. I have knees and elbows and lots of parts you see."). And this would be a great book to read aloud to pre-readers. But the listing described it as appropriate for 3-10 year olds (if I remember correctly), and I just have to say I can't imagine how it would work for older kids.

As a child advocate for well over 30 years, it's a relief for me that finally, a powerful book has been written for parents and children! Through her beautiful poetry and storytelling talents, Jill Starishevsky empowers children, as young as three, to own their bodies and to seek help if they are being sexually abused. As an experienced prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes, Jill Starishevsky knows first hand where the gaps are; she's filled them with this book! I recommend this book to all parents; it provides helpful discussion tips for parents, as well, since it's often difficult to introduce this critical topic to children in conversation. I'm so grateful that Jill Starishevsky used her experience to protect and nurture innocent children, and prevent child sexual abuse.

We returned the book because we thought there were other gentler ways to discuss this topic with our child. While we think sexual abuse/assault are of utmost importance to discuss with children (which is why we purchased the book), the way the story is told is creepy and may create unnecessary scary thoughts and pictures in a child's mind, like the man who came over and inappropriately touch the narrator. We were disappointed because we were looking forward to sharing this book with our daughter. We read so many good reviews on it and saw a discussion of it on a well-known national talk show. So we thought it'd be good. But we just got creeped out reading it and don't feel comfortable sharing this somewhat detailed account of child sex abuse with our child. Just a personal opinion.

I am happy to spread the word about MY BODY BELONGS TO ME. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I know how vitally important it is for children to feel ownership over their own bodies. I like that there is a helpful section for parents/caregivers, as well.

Beth Fehlbaum, author

Courage in Patience: A Story of Hope for Those Who Have Endured Abuse

The subject of sexual abuse is not one that I quickly think to talk about with my children yet it is a topic that I believe is very important to address. I want my kids to know what is appropriate and what is not, I want them to know who to talk to if they ever feel uncomfortable. But am I talking to them about this? When is a good time to do that? What is a good way to touch on this subject in an age appropriate way?

I applaud Jill for taking action in an area that she saw a need and helping to equip us as parents to educate our children. I read this book with my 5 year old son and found that it lead comfortably into talking about this subject in a way that might have been more difficult to do otherwise.

This is a difficult subject to bring up. But it's also a necessary one in this day and age. The TV talks about child sexual abuse all the time. My grandkids wanted to know what that was. So I bought this book and I am so happy I did. It is the best little book, it's not scary and it makes the child the hero for telling. The kids really liked it. My grand kids are ages 4 to 9 and it opened up a very good discussion.

With all the news on the Jaycee Dugard case we have turned it into a teaching moment.

Thank you Jill for so skillfully discussing such a sensitive subject.

The author skillfully captures an extremely difficult subject using simple language any child can understand. With clear pictures and straightforward verbiage, the book is an invaluable resource for parents and childcare workers. It's never too early to broach the subject of personal space and the right to say 'no!', even to adults. Ms.Starishevsky does so masterfully.

Christine Louise Hohlbaum is the author of The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World and Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff.

Finding a book about this subject that is ideal to a child level and not too scary is not easy but I was very glad to find "My Body Belongs To Me".

Illustrations are nice and the story is very clear but not threatening. Would recommend.

The book is good and hits an important topic delicately enough to help the person who received the book to understand without feeling bad about what happened to them. I am hoping the person reading this will understand how to maintain boundaries when it comes to issues of this nature.

This book will be used in my work with children at a nonprofit agency. So down to earth on a child's level. I give it a number 10.