On March 31st, President Barack Obama released his Presidential Proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. He stated, “I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.” National Child Abuse Prevention Week began in June of 1982. The following year, former President Ronald Reagan changed the week of observances to the entire month of April. The books listed in this article along with the few on our Genres, Themes, and… category page are all fiction, except for June Jordan’s memoir, Soldier: A Poet’s Childhood. They deal with different forms of child abuse—physical, neglect, emotional, sexual, etc.—in various ways, whether it’s the main character or one of their family members, friends, or associates. And while they may or may not provide definite solutions or happy endings, they will certainly lead the conversation by offering some sort of insight or reflection. One thing is for sure, there is a need for more Black children’s authors to honestly tackle the difficult topic. To learn more about National Child Abuse Prevention Month or child abuse in general, click on the sources and additional reading links below.
One of the Problems of Everett Anderson - Lucille Clifton
Dear Corinne, Tell Somebody! Love, Annie - Mari Evans
The Road to Paris - Nikki Grimes
The Death of Jayson Porter - Jaime Adoff
Pointe - Brandy Colbert
I’m Late: The Story of Laneese and Moonlight and Alisha Who Didn’t Have Anyone of Her Own - Mari Evans
Touching Snow - M. Sindy Felin
When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune - Lori Aurelia Williams
Sunday You Learn How to Box- Bil Wright
His Own Where - June Jordan
