April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. At Nexus Family Healing, our employees, therapists, and foster parents work with youth who have experienced different types of trauma, which often include forms of abuse or neglect. We’ve compiled a list of books that speak about child abuse and trauma that may be fitting for children of different ages.
As we talked about in our Mental Health Books for Children blog, reading has immense benefits for children and can help them feel not alone in their healing journey, knowing that others have had similar experiences. The books listed below can also help caregivers/parents and their child learn more about trauma and trauma-informed practices together.
For ages 0-5:
- A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes
- A Foster-Adoption Story: Angela and Michael’s Journey – A Therapeutic Workbook for Traumatized Children by Regina M. Kupecky and Christine Mitchell
- Brave Bart: A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Children by Caroline H. Sheppard
- The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine
For Ages 6-9
- Something is Wrong at my House by Diane Davis
- Healing Days: A Guide For Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma by Susan Farber Straus, PhD
- Once I Was Very Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh Ippen
- A Foster-Adoption Story: Angela and Michael’s Journey – A Therapeutic Workbook for Traumatized Children by Regina M. Kupecky and Christine Mitchell
- When I Was Little… A Child’s Journey in Overcoming Abuse & Trauma by Keri Vellis (ages 4-10)
- Somebody Cares: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Neglect by Susan Farber Straus
For Ages 10-13:
- When You Know What I Know by Sonja K. Solter
- Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- Maybe he Just Likes You by Barbara Dee
- Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
- Gossamer by Lois Lowry
- The Invisible Boy by Alyssa Hollingsworth
- The Star Outside My Window by Onjali Q. Rauf
- Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo
- The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
For Ages 14+:
- What Does Consent Really Mean by Pete and Thalia Wallis
- Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
- In Love and In Danger by Barrie Levy
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Download the Child Abuse Book Reading List PDF
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for outpatient/community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 50 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Learn more at nexusfamilyhealing.org.
