If You Liked David Pelzer's Books About Child Abuse, Try…

Don't you dare read this, Mrs. Dunphrey / Margaret Peterson Haddix.    F Had

Tish writes in her journal for English class about what happens when her abusive father returns home.

Dibs in search of self / Virginia M. Axline            618.9 Axl

Five year-old Dibs will not talk or play with others. He ignores his teachers. His parents would often lock him

in his room because of the way he behaved. Dibs' parents and teachers had all but given him up as mentally retarded

This is a true story.

They cage the animals at night / Jennings Michael Burch       F Bur

Jennings Michael Burch was dropped off at the orphanage by his mom when he was eight years old. Moved from

orphanage to orphanage and through a series of foster homes, he tries hard to stay in contact with his mother and

five brothers.

Becoming Anna : the autobiography of a sixteen-year-old / Anna J. Michener. 92 Mic

Until Anna was able to move to a foster home at sixteen, she suffered physical and emotional abuse and was sen

t to various mental institutions by her family. This true story was written during her first year in the foster home while

the memories were still fresh.

Petey / Ben Mikaelsen F Mikaelsen               F Mik

Petey was born with cerebral palsy and the doctors think he's severely feebleminded and misdiagnose him as an idiot.

After many years in institutions, he is moved to a nursing home in his old hometown where he is befriended by

Trevor who learns Petey suffers from cerebral palsy. Review of this book written by a kid with cerebral palsy.

When Jeff comes home / Catherine Atkins F Akins           F Aki

Jeff is kidnapped at knifepoint when he is thirteen. Two and a half years later, Ray, the kidnapper returns him voluntarily.

What happened during that time is questioned by police and parents, while Jeff seems to want to protect Ray.

America : a novel / by E.R. Frank F Frank             F Fra

Born to a crack-addicted mother, sexually abused, and abandoned by his mother twice, America is now in an institutional

hospital. He tells his own story, alternating chapters between his past and what is now happening in the hospital.

The lottery rose / Irene Hunt. F Hunt               F Hun

Georgie Burgess has been abused by his mother and her boyfriend. After being removed from the house and

enrolled in a boy's school, Georgie slowly learns how to survive and love.

What Jamie saw / Carolyn Coman               F Com

When mom catches Nin before the baby hits the wall, Jamie and his mom realize it is not safe to continue living with

Nin's father. In only 123 pages, we see Jamie and his mom and Nin struggle to become safe.

Silent to the bone / E.L. Konigsburg               F Kon

Accused of dropping his half-sister Nikki, thirteen year-old Branwell loses his power of speech while trying to call 911.

With the help of his friend Conner, he learns the truth of what happened that afternoon.

Ghost girl : the true story of a child in peril and the teacher who saved her / Torey L. Hayden                   362.1 Hayden

Jadie is a victim of sexual and ritual abuse. Powerfully, even disturbingly, written by her teacher, this is a true story.

Murphy's Boy / Torey L. Hayden             371.9 Hayden

Nick-named ‘Zooboy' at the treatment center, fifteen-year-old Kevin hides under tables surrounded by chairs.

Hasn't spoken since being a seven year-old. Afraid of water and being naked, he hasn't changed cloths or showered.

In this true story, Torey Hayden discovers the violence and secret that had been hidden away.

One child / Torey L. Hayden.                618.92 Hay

Abused by her alcoholic father and abandoned by her mother, Six-year-old Sheila won't speak or cry.

She is placed in a home for the mentally retarded until it is discovered she is autistic. A true story, told by her teacher

Somebody else's kids / Torey L. Hayden            371.9 Hay

One brain damaged from physical abuse by parents, a twelve year old who is pregnant, a seven year-old

severely autistic boy, a ten-year-old who saw his stepmother murder his dad, no one else knew what to do with them,

so they wind up in her class.

A Rock and a Hard Place : One Boy's Triumphant Story / Anthony Godby Johnson

362.7 God

Beaten and abused at home, not allowed a bed or coat. Tony lives on the streets. And buries himself in school , rescued

by a family who loves him, only to have to face AIDS diagnosis. Tony wrote this when he was fourteen years-old.

Chinese Cinderella : the true story of an unwanted daughter / Adeline Mah 92 Meh

Adeline's mother dies giving birth to her, the fifth child in the family. Her dad remarries and Adeline's new stepmom favors her

own children over her new husband's.. Since mother had died giving birth, Adeline is considered bad luck and a curse. Adeline

uses the rest of the family for strength and solace, realizing her happiness will come from her own strengths.

When She Hollers / Cynthia Voigt.               F Voi

Told in a moment-by-moment account of the day Tish decides to deal with her stepfather's abuse. 'She put the survival knife

down on the table. It pointed across at him. From now on I'll have this knife. All the time….You come in—ever again…..'

Never So Green / Tim Johnston F Johnson             F Joh

Tex Donleavy, a kid with a deformed right hand , is dumped on his mother's doorstep, so dad can go on vaction with his new

girlfriend. Mom's new husband, Farley Dickersongets him on the Little League team. Jack, Farley's tomboy daughter, and

Tex become good friends. Tex learns the secret that Jack has been hiding for many years.

Don't hurt Laurie! / Willo Davis Roberts F Roberts           F Rob

Telling doctors and emergency workers that Laurie is just clumsy keeps the abuse a secret for many years. By moving often,

Laurie can't form trusting relationships and tell the truth. Finally mom goes too far and Laurie is determined to seek help.

One of the first YA books to discuss child abuse, it has won many awards and honors.