Not in Room 204: Breaking the Silence of Abuse

Plot Summary

Mrs. Salvador is one tough teacher. But Regina Lillian Hadwig, a very quiet student, doesn’t mind. She likes the order and discipline Mrs. Salvador expects.

At a report card conference, Mrs. Salvador tells Regina’s mom that Regina is doing a great job, but that she is very quiet. “Are you quiet at home, like you are in school?” Mrs. Salvador asks Regina. And Regina thinks of the secret she keeps so quiet—the one even her mom doesn’t know, about the secret things her father does. “Yes, I’m quiet at home, too,” says Regina. “Maybe we can work on that,” says Mrs. Salvador.

When Mrs. Salvador reads a book about Stranger Danger, she emphasizes one thing—that the person doing the inappropriate touching might not be a stranger at all. It might be someone a child knows very well.

Will Regina find the courage to tell Mrs. Salvador her terrible secret?

Shannon Riggs covers this sensitive topic with compassion and expertise. She lives in Oregon. The expressive illustrations, by Jaime Zollars, who lives in California, complement the text. Ms. Zollars also illustrated The Great Math Tattle Battle. A note about sexual abuse is included.

Awards

2007, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book; Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children's Literature, 2007 Oregon Book Awards

Reviews

"Quiet Regina feels comfortable in her classroom, where Mrs. Salvador runs a tight ship and insists on hard work and fair play. When the teacher starts the annual Stranger Danger unit, she departs from the usual script by saying that most often an adult who touches a child inappropriately is not a stranger but someone known to the child. Mrs. Salvador assures her students that 'If someone told me this happened to them, I know exactly what to do to help.' The next morning, Regina arrives early at Room 204 to confide her secret, which involves her father. The story ends on a hopeful note. This picture book’s strength is in the forthrightness of its message and the sensitivity of its presentation: Regina’s father’s actions are implied but never stated, and Regina’s trust in her teacher is firmly in place before the situation unfolds. When the time is right, Regina decides to share something that she has been keeping, even from her mother. The text and digitally enhanced artwork work together well to express the book’s message smoothly. The characters, especially Regina, dominate the illustrations, which are notable for their clear lines and interesting and varied textures and colors. This helpful picture book will raise children’s awareness of sexual abuse without raising anxiety." STARRED, Booklist

"Overall, the text is strong and graceful, the story manages to avoid proselytizing and appealing illustrations grace the pages....A good choice for parents and teachers who plan to address safety and molestation with children." Kirkus Reviews

"This picture book addresses the topic of sexual abuse directly and thoughtfully....Zollar's expressive pictures capture the warm, bright classroom as well as Regina's worry and isolation. In the portrayal of the upright and caring teacher, the book provides a surprisingly natural voice for the central lesson while modeling how to create a safe space for a child with a terrifying secret. A brief, informative introduction describes the dangers of childhood sexual abuse and where to get support. While the book has a clear purpose and message, it also has a heart in the compassionate and engaged Mrs. Salvador." Horn Book Magazine

"The illustrations are warm and inviting and provide an imaginative subtext through the other students' antics. The message of the book is a comforting one, that at least some adults can establish a safe environment, be consistent, and always know what to do....this story could open discussion with children about sexual abuse or let a child know that there are adults who will listen." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
molestation, molest, sexual, abuse, physical, body, private, privacy, stranger danger, sexual abuse, secret, touching, touch, 57641, 5764-1