
A parent would reach for this book when their child has experienced a violation of bodily autonomy or a breach of trust by a family member or close acquaintance. It serves as a vital tool for children who feel silenced by shame or are struggling with the complicated reality that people they love can also cause them harm. This novel in verse follows Tori, a young girl navigating the aftermath of sexual abuse by her uncle, focusing on the difficult journey toward being believed and finding her voice. Written with deep sensitivity, the book explores the messiness of family loyalty, the weight of a secret, and the slow process of healing. It is appropriate for mature middle grade readers (ages 10 and up) who need to see a path from victimhood to agency. Parents might choose this as a guided read to open essential conversations about consent, safety, and the fact that a child's truth is more important than a family's comfort.
Deals with the emotional aftermath of sexual abuse and family betrayal.
The book deals directly with child sexual abuse (CSA) and its aftermath. The approach is secular and grounded in psychological realism. While the subject is harrowing, the resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on Tori's recovery rather than the trauma itself.
A 10 to 12 year old who is beginning to navigate the complexities of consent or a child who has experienced a 'gray area' boundary violation and feels confused by the conflicting emotions of loving someone who hurt them.
Parents should be aware of the scene where the grandmother gaslights Tori by defending the uncle. This is a crucial moment for discussion regarding why adults sometimes fail to protect children. A parent might reach for this after a child discloses an uncomfortable touch, or if the parent notices a child becoming suddenly withdrawn around certain family members.
Younger readers will focus on the 'secret' and the unfairness of not being believed. Older readers will better grasp the nuanced betrayal of the grandmother and the structural bravery required to testify in court.
Unlike many books on this topic, it is written in verse, which provides 'white space' on the page for readers to breathe, making the heavy subject matter more accessible and less suffocating than traditional prose.
Tori is a middle schooler whose life is upended after her uncle abuses her in her own basement. After she tells her mother, she faces a fractured family response: her mother eventually supports her, but her grandmother remains in denial. The story follows Tori as she navigates school, friendship, and the legal system, eventually finding the strength to testify and reclaim her narrative.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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