Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story

Author: Lynn C. Tolson

Type or emotional/crisis issue addressed: mental ilness emotional instability of parent

Year of Publication: 2003
Publisher and Location: The Book Peddlers
ISBN-10: 1410724174
Target Age Level: high-school
# of Pages: 304
Quality of Illustrations: no ilustrations

Brief Summary: This is a story of a young woman who attempted suicide and her journey towards recovery. It’s a true story that shows cycle of abuse and provides a great message of hope.

Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children:
This book is a great resource for survivors of abuse – sexual, physical and emotional. It’s an inspiring story of courage that may empower minds and spirits.

Activity:
1)Have the students read the book and discuss in groups.
2) Mini-drama: groups select a scene from the books and prepare a quick dramatization of the scene.
Posted by Nalu de Araujo Nunes

The Lonely Little Monster

Author: Andi Green

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Loneliness, Making Friends

Year of Publication: 2007

Publisher & Location: Monsters in My Head, LLC

ISBN#:

• ISBN-10: 097928600X
• ISBN-13: 978-0979286001

Target Age Level: Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary

# of Pages: 67

Quality of Illustrations: Creature is different but illustrations are colorful and fun.

Brief Summary: Though The Lonely Little Monster begins with a traditional “Once upon a time,” what follows is anything but pedestrian. Nola has never ventured beyond her remote desert home, and her heartsick isolation pervades the watercolor landscape, practically engulfing her. Ironically, Nola’s flood of tears reveals some new friends who were there all along—she had only to look beyond herself.

Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: Non-threatening book for kids. I also like that it deals with depression as well.

Activity:
1. Read story
2. Have kids talk about and possibly draw what is outside of them and then what is inside of them.
3. Take kids for walk outside (if good weather) and have them notice what is around them.
4. Have kids lay down inside (or oustide, if appropriate) and notice how they feel inside
5. Talk about making friends and how to "look beyond themselves."