Books About Sexual Abuse

The Best Sexual Abuse Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about sexual abuse? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sexual Abuse

To Kill a Mockingbird
Sale price
$1900
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1960

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee · Book #1 in the To Kill a Mockingbird series

A lawyer defends an innocent man in a town gripped by prejudice.

323 pages· 99,820 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,125,948 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a Southern town seething with prejudice, a young girl witnesses her father's courageous stand as he defends a black man falsely accused of a heinous crime. As tensions rise, will justice prevail, or will hatred triumph? This poignant tale explores the depths of human morality and the innocence of youth amidst societal turmoil.
Shout
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Shout

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

304 pages· 27,174 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 22,500 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a powerful memoir, Laurie Halse Anderson uses free verse to confront society's silence on sexual assault. Through personal stories and calls to action, she challenges readers to listen and speak out. As she reflects on her own experiences, Anderson's words become a rallying cry for change, urging everyone to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Will her voice inspire a new wave of courage and truth?
Impulse
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2007

Impulse

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Impulse series

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

666 pages· 55,424 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 83,427 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Vanessa, Tony, and Conner find themselves at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after each attempted to end their life. Vanessa hides behind a facade, Tony seeks solace in pills, and Conner battles inner turmoil despite a seemingly perfect life. As they confront their pasts and demons, they must decide if they can help each other find a path to healing. Will they seize this second chance, or will their struggles consume them? Their intertwined journeys reveal the power of friendship and resilience in the face of despair.
Maybe He Just Likes You
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 8,626 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?
Fighting Words
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2020

Fighting Words

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Two sisters face trauma and silence. Can they find their voices and heal?

Newbery Honor (2021)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2021)Golden Kite Honor (2021)Odyssey Honor (2021)
272 pages· 49,943 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.6 Goodreads · 14,415 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Della relies on her sister Suki for protection. But when Suki attempts suicide, Della's world shatters. As secrets unravel, Della must decide if it's time to speak out. Can the sisters find their voices and heal from the past?
Speak
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1999

Speak

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A silenced teen confronts her trauma and fights to reclaim her voice.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1999)Michael L. Printz Honor (2000)Golden Kite Award (2000)
224 pages· 46,607 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 644,946 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Melinda starts high school as an outcast after calling the cops on a party. Isolated and silent, she finds solace in art, which helps her confront the truth: she was raped by a fellow student. As she begins to heal, another encounter with her attacker forces her to fight back and refuse silence. Will Melinda find the courage to speak up and reclaim her voice? This powerful story explores themes of consent and resilience, challenging readers to consider the importance of speaking out against injustice.
My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1994

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

By Dagmar Geisler (Illustrator) · Safe Child, Happy Parent series

Empower children to say 'no' to unwanted touch.

36 pages· 443 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 379 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Clara guides children in understanding their right to personal boundaries. Through her story, young readers learn how to assertively reject unwanted physical contact and seek help from trusted adults. This empowering narrative equips children with the confidence to protect their bodies and voice their discomfort, ensuring they feel safe and heard in any situation. How can Clara's lessons help children navigate these challenging moments?
The Life I'm In
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2021

The Life I'm In

By Sharon G. Flake · Book #2 in the The Skin I'm In series

A young woman fights to escape the dark world of human trafficking.

336 pages· 75,352 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 804 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Char Jones, once a feared bully, now faces a harrowing reality as she's ensnared in human trafficking. Cast out from her home, she boards a bus to nowhere, only to find herself trapped in a dangerous underworld. As Char navigates this perilous path, she must summon her inner strength to rescue herself and others from the shadows. Will she succumb to despair, or rise to reclaim her life? In this gripping tale, Char's journey reveals the harsh truths of vulnerability and the power of compassion in overcoming darkness.
Dust
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Dust

By Dusti Bowling

A girl must uncover the mystery behind dust storms linked to a new friend to save her life.

352 pages· 50,892 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,613 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Avalyn, finally breathing easy in Arizona, faces a new challenge when Adam arrives. As dust storms mysteriously intensify, Avalyn suspects they're tied to Adam's emotions. With bullies closing in and danger rising, can Avalyn protect her friend and herself? Discover a tale of friendship and courage where the stakes are as high as the swirling dust.
Yes! No!
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2022

Yes! No!

By Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, Isabel Roxas (Illustrator) · First Conversations series

Introduce kids to consent with engaging, clear language.

40 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 518 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: This picture book empowers young children to understand consent through simple language and vivid illustrations. It encourages respect for bodily autonomy and explores how to say 'No.' How will these lessons shape their world?
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Sexual Abuse Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about sexual abuse for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Your Body Belongs to You
Sale price
$1395

Your Body Belongs to You

Ages 4–8 · 1997

Learn to say 'no' to unwanted touch and understand body boundaries.

Tell Someone
Sale price
$1799

Tell Someone

Ages 4–7 · 2021

Feeling overwhelmed? Find someone you trust and share your secret.

Ella's Choice
Sale price
$1099

Ella's Choice

2021

Ella demands to be heard. Will her voice change her world?

ABC of Body Safety and Consent
Sale price
$1695

ABC of Body Safety and Consent

Ages 4–10 · 2020

Empower kids with essential body safety and consent skills through engaging letters and illustrations.

Under Our Clothes
Series
Sale price
$1995

Under Our Clothes

Ages 6–8 · 2019

Explore body safety and self-image through a child's eyes at the community pool.

Not in Room 204
Sale price
$799

Not in Room 204

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A quiet student harbors a secret. Can she find the courage to speak up?

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Browse by age

Sexual Abuse Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about sexual abuse for developing and independent readers.

Sold
Sale price
$1299

Sold

Ages 14–17 · 2006

A young girl must escape a nightmare after being sold into a brothel.

Chirp
Sale price
$1699

Chirp

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A girl uncovers a mystery threatening her grandmother's farm while confronting her own hidden secret.

Girl in Pieces
Sale price
$1099

Girl in Pieces

Ages 14–18 · 2016

A shattered girl seeks solace in scars, battling to reclaim her life from the edge.

Panic
Sale price
$1799

Panic

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A dancer's choice leads to a nightmare of captivity and desperation.

Where Hands Go
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1099

Where Hands Go

2023

Empower children to say 'no' and protect themselves from unwanted touches with this essential guide on body safety.

View all sexual abuse chapter books
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