While the Appalachian language of Bobby B. Billy may be fading from use, the theme addressed, bullying, is not. Max and his tribe of 10 little men learn that there is an unexpected price to pay for their bullying ways. Illustrator Randall May captures the quaint town of Elmerville and its inhabitants, while the storytelling team of Josiah O'Hea spins up a mouthful of hillbilly English along with a poignant growing of age tale.

Annabelle has a secret. When she was seven years old, she was approached by aneighborhood boy and invited into a "secret club." Unfortunately, this club was just aruse for thirteen-year-old Joel to groom Annabelle for abuse. A few years later, whenAnnabelle turns eleven, she finds some bad feelings have returned for her.
Experts Acclaim for "Annabelle's Secret"
"Amy Barth's Annabelle could be just the 'friend' a sexually abused child needs, andit models just what parents should to do if their child shares about sexual abuse. A greatlittle resource for children, parents, schools, therapists, treatment agencies, and preventionprograms."
--Karen R. Nash, LCSW
""Annabelle's Secret" is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book for children thattells the difficult tale of Annabelle, what happened to her, and what she did to stop thesexual abuse that she was experiencing. The book is written in a straightforward yetcompelling manner that exposes the excruciating situation that far too many children experience.This book is a welcome and needed addition to the tools that we have for childrenand families and service providers for dealing openly about child sexual abuse."
--Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, Founder and CEO
Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, Inc
""Annabelle's Secret" supports important issues regarding sexual abuse that may arisein a young girl's life. Written like a comforting letter from a survivor, the young reader willbecome aware of the importance and safety to report any encounters. The book is simplywritten and in understandable terms for any 6 to 9-year old. The information is concise, yet heartening and loving. Annabelle's Secret should be read with a parent presentto encourage dialog about this significant subject."
--Irene Watson, author of"The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference"
"Annabelle relates a story that reconfirms what I have observed over many years.Abused children, male or female, universally believe that it is their fault. Their self-imageis mangled; they need to tell the truth; and they must get help from someone who knowshow to treat such an injury to the soul."
--Fr. Heyward B. Ewart, III, PhD, "Author of Am I Bad? Recovering From Abuse"
To learn more, please visit www.AmyJBarth.comFrom Loving Healing press www.LovingHealing.com
JUV039210 Juvenile Fiction: Social Issues - Sexual Abuse