"Kiki, the story's main character, is a little girl whose innocence s stolen while living with her parents in a northern city.  Kiki moves south to live with her grandmother who takes her to a therapist, because Kiki has a troubled heart and confused thoughts.  From the therapist's office and playroom.  Kiki tells her story of trial and triumph that children and survivors will want to hear her again and again."

     STOLEN INNOCENCE is intended to be read aloud with drama and emphasis to young children, ages five to ten years old; older age children, based on their reading ability, should be allowed independent access to the book.

     Clearly, here is a book for children who have been sexually victimized and for whom child therapy may be suggested.  An equal, if not more important use, is to raise the awareness of children to prevent sexual abuse victimization.  While a lap-to-lap reading approach might have therapeutic benefit for child victims, it is not recommended substitute for therapy rendered by a mental health professional.

     Many questions arise in the minds of young people who are hurting.  More questions arise when there has been the discussion about taking child victims to a professional to get help.  This book helps to define what a therapist is and what he or she does.  It untangles, with humor and agony, what happens in the therapy room.  Hearing what your child has to say bout relationships and events that occur in the story certainly can be useful because it helps you communicate with your child about thoughts and feelings the story might arouse.

     STOLEN INNOCENCE attempts to answer questions children often have from a viewpoint that is consistent with a level of development characteristic of the elementary school years.  Your general understanding about the tragedy of life that befalls some children and their heroic pathways to healing will be greatly expanded.  STOLEN INNOCENCE will also inform you as a caregiver about the many symptoms a child may exhibit and perhaps assist you in deciding whether professional help is necessary.  An ounce of prevention, the old saying goes, is worth more than a pound of cure.  Above all, heed it.  Exposing children to this case story is certain to expand their awareness in a way that may help protect them from the thieves of children's innocence.

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