Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Here to Help: Books about Child Abuse

Children’s Services
Children’s Services

By sharing stories together and having conversations about the books you read, you can help young children understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.

Inappropriate touching, personal boundaries, and the importance of informing an adult are difficult topics that are discussed in this list of books for young children about child abuse.

Not every book is available at all locations, but any title can be requested. The children’s librarian at your neighborhood library is also here to help, with suggestions for additional titles on topics of interest–or feel free to suggest some titles to us.  New books are always being added to the collection. You can find more Here to Help booklists on different topics by clicking here.

You can sign up for a free library card here.

If you need help using our Digital Media tools to access these selections, visit our Online Resources Support page.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org. You can find additional ways to contact us on the Need Help? page.

In the Catalog

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent & Respect

Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent & Respect

A Book to Teach Children About Body Ownership, Respectful Relationships, Feelings and Emotions, Choices, and Recognizing Bullying Behaviors

Jayneen Sanders

Explores concepts of body boundaries in a child-friendly and easily understood manner, employing familiar scenarios for children to engage with and discuss. Includes discussion questions for parents, caregivers, and educators.

From the Catalog
My Body Belongs to Me From My Head to My Toes

My Body Belongs to Me From My Head to My Toes

Now kids can build confidence about accepting and rejecting physical contact from others.

From the Catalog
My Body! What I Say Goes!

My Body! What I Say Goes!

A Book to Empower and Teach Children About Personal Body Safety, Feelings, Safe and Unsafe Touch, Private Parts, Secrets and Surprises, Consent, and Respectful Relationships

Jayneen Sanders

Uses age-appropriate illustrations and engaging text to teach children crucial and empowering skills in personal body safety. Includes discussion questions for parents, caregivers, and educators.

From the Catalog
Not in Room 204

Not in Room 204

Shannon Riggs

A teacher tells the children in her class to talk to an adult if they are being sexually abused.

From the Catalog
Our Gracie Aunt

Our Gracie Aunt

Jacqueline Woodson

When a brother and sister are taken to stay with their mother’s sister because their mother neglects them, they wonder if they will see their mother again.

From the Catalog