365 Days of Books

Don't Hurt Laurie! by Willo Davis Roberts Another unhappy blended family. Laurie's mom, Annabelle, has married a wonderful man with two children but her abuse of Laurie continues. When anything goes wrong and even if it doesn't 11 year old Laurie is beaten, kicked, punched, and cut. Her frequent trips to the emergency room for post abuse care and obvious signs of abuse bring her to the notice of nurses and teachers but Annabelle either talks her way out of the situation or moves the family. Laurie wants to tell someone but doesn't believe she will be believed; an discussion at school with another abused child confirms her helplessness against adults. Things slowly get better, Laurie is making friends and connecting with her step-brother, Tim. Twice Laurie steps out of her protective bland camoflage to protect endangered animals and these small steps with their clear results help her to look for help from other adults. Laurie and her step-brother and sister finally leave the house and seek help from Tim's grandmother. Grandmother Nell believes Laurie but can she help?

This book does address some reasons adults may physically abuse children but does not excuse the behaviour. Breaking the cycle is also mentioned.

I would recommend this book to these people I know: Two teachers who have classes with students ranging in age from 8-12, a pediatrician for her office waiting room, a nine year old girl who has wondered about abuse situations.