Laurie Tells (Paperback)

by Linda Lowery (Author)
Key Phrases: Aunt Jen

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-In this subtle soliloquy, Laurie, 11, examines her feelings about herself and her father, who is molesting her. Without graphic descriptions, she evokes the doubts, denials, fears, and sadness of a child who is being abused by a trusted adult. Adding to her dilemma is her failed attempt to get help from her mother, who does not believe her. Laurie examines the adults in her life and finally decides to confide in her Aunt Jan. The concluding scene, in which Laurie "tells," is true to the reactions of both victim and supporter. The girl's hesitancy, self-blame, and relief are delicately portrayed, as are Jan's shock, concern, and determination to help. Impressionistic watercolor illustrations capture the evolving moods of the book, beginning with tightly composed images of Laurie's emotional isolation. As she moves out of her shell, the pictures expand, until the final pages are filled with the tenderness and shared feelings of aunt and niece. The physical setting of the story-emphasizing the natural world-provides balance and context to the material. This little gem of a book will be a treasured friend for children who face troubled home lives, and all readers will come away from it with a deepened understanding of the difficult journey that abused children face.
Carolyn Polese, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-6. While incest has been the subject of a number of YA novels and nonfiction titles, there are far fewer books appropriate for middle-graders, a high-risk age group for sexual abuse. Although this one is totally message-driven and not much longer than some picture books, it's easy to read (thanks, in part, to a spacious layout) and has a poignant, authentic-sounding, first-person narrative that both makes its point (abuse must be revealed) and packs an emotional wallop. In it, 11-year-old Laurie gives a quiet but telling accounting of being ill-used by her father, then ignored by her mother when she tries to explain what's going on. The story, such that there is, ends with Laurie's describing her situation to a caring relative. Without sensationalizing, Lowery makes it plain that Dad's doing more than giving good-night back rubs, and she impresses upon readers that there is help available, even if finding it may be difficult. However, she stops short of broaching what will happen "after" abuse comes to light. The image of Laurie, her story revealed, sleeping safely at her aunt's house, is really only the first half of the story. Even so, this is nicely done as far as it goes, with pastel illustrations (one per double-page spread) aptly depicting Laurie's emotional chaos. Stephanie Zvirin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876149611
• ISBN-13: 978-0876149614
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,998,835 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent portrayal of feelings experienced in sexual abuse, August 21, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Laurie Tells (Library Binding)

Excellent portrayal of feelings experienced by a child who has been sexually abused by her own father. I have used this book for sexual abuse prevention programs conducted for fifth-graders, and they were very engaged by the narrative. I wish this book were in all middle school libraries, so that children experiencing this same loneliness and pain would be empowered to reach out for help. Written in a sensitive, non-graphic manner, the message in this book is encouraging and hopeful. Special bonuses are the almost poetic voice and imagery and the outstanding illustrations. Highly recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars Lowery Tells..readers what to do., June 29, 2008

By	Matthew McCann "Skylerdragon" (Festus, Missouri) - See all my reviews

Presented as a beautifully illustrated poem, this is the story of an eleven-year-old girl who is molested by her father. The poem begins with Laurie going for a walk. She is recovering from another goodnight kiss the day after her father "touched her" for the final time. The poem ends with Laurie telling her terrible secret and waiting for help in safety away from home.

I can't testify whether Laurie's actions are genuine or not. As a 36 year old man (and teacher), I can say that Lowery's book (a poem) is a moving and incredible story that really touches readers' hearts. It depicts a young girl who has suffered for 3 years. Laurie's story is sad, moving, and serious. This is not a book for the light hearted. It is an excellent book for parents of preteen girls to share with their daughters. It should supplement a discussion of people who are safe to go to if there are problems.

This is a serious poem, but Linda Lowery does all the things good poets do. Colors splash and play with the words to create images that are vivid and clear for the reader. Details about the abuse are shrouded behind the simple words "touched me" and avoid traumatizing any children with a similar experience.

The author expertly uses metaphors, symbolism, irony, simile, flashback, concrete imagery, rhyme, sensory details to create a powerful poem with a serious message. At the end of the poem, an author's note addresses the incident and reminds readers that every incident is different, but that every incident of sexual abuse must be resolved the same way. Victims must tell.

My favorite lines of the poem are when Laurie sits at the lake trying to think of people to tell. As autumn leaves drop on the water and float by, she envisions the familiar faces of her grandmother, her music teacher, and her neighbor. Finally her aunt's face lights on the crystal clear water and the memory of her aunt's confidence in her and strength in dealing with her father summon the courage Laurie needs to confide in her aunt.

The illustrations in this book are equally incredible. Watercolors and shadows fill every page accurately capturing the physical and emotional anguish of a suffering child. The art by John Eric Karpinski is phenomenal and supplements this serious issue with equally moving illustrations. Again, the images are appropriate only depicting Laurie as she sorts things out in her mind the day after the abuse.

The author's note at the end confirms that Laurie's story is unique. Not all victims have the same situation. But every victim must accept the same difficult solution. They must tell. Sexual abuse, rape, molestation...these things cannot be kept secret. This poem tells Laurie's thought processes and reveals her courage in telling the most terrible secret she has ever known. Her father is abusing her.

Not all victims are so lucky. Many victims suffer for many more years before they find help. Some victims never find help. This book offers hope to those who need it and knowledge to listen when readers are the help.

I recommend this book to any reader, especially young girls. I do believe this is a book parents should share with their children. It is not a book to experience without context of paternal guideance. It is also an example of powerful poetry. All the traits of good writing are strong here: voice, ideas, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and organization. The publication is a treasure for any reader who wants powerful childrens literature in their collection.