A Family that Fights

Type of emotional/crisis issues addressed: Abuse

Author/authors: Sharon Chelser Bernstein

Year of Publication: 1991

Book Title: A Family that Fights

ISBN #: 0807522481

Age level: Lower elementary

# of pages: 28

Quality of illustrations: okay

Brief summary (a short paragraph is sufficient): The story is told from the view of a young boy who has a younger brother and sister. Their father physically abuses their mother, but not them. However, the boy fears that one day he will hit one of the kids. He is upset at his mother for ignoring the abuse, is angry with his father, and confused about his family. The book does not have a magical ending, but ends with some hope. The pictures are a little outdated, but it is well written.

Activities: Have the child draw a picture of his or her family and talk about his or her feelings about each family member. Help the child process these feelings.