Not in Room 204: Breaking the Silence of Abuse

By Shannon Riggs and Jaime Zollars

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

STARRED REVIEW! "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...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."—Booklist starred review

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
• Release date: Jan 1, 2007
• ISBN: 9780807557655

Shannon Riggs

Shannon Riggs grew up in New York. Not in Room 204 is her first book. Shannon is a member of Willamette Writers and SCBWI. She organizes a monthly children's writers' workshop in Oregon where she now lives with her husband, a retired US Navy officer.

Book preview

Reviews for Not in Room 204

[kacieforest · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

5.The “Not in Room 204” is a book about preventing, recognizing, and responsible reactions to sexual abuse. Most importantly, a teacher tells the children in her class to talk to an adult if they are being sexually abused. So, the message is quite strong and brought to light. I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. I liked the book because it stresses the importance of how childhood sexual abuse happens alarmingly often, and needs to inform to children of school age. But, I am not sure how old children should be when introduced to this book. The characters are clearly, well believable which enhances the connection between the reader and the message of the story. For instance, the teacher in the story shares the book about Stranger Danger to her students which the language stresses the importance of strangers should not be touching you anywhere a bathing suit covers. The characters and language makes the event believable and realistic. I loved that about this book. Also, this story relates to children and their experiences. The book is told through third person, so readers are able to follow with which characters are saying what. Most importantly, the author created a note about childhood sexual abuse on one page before the story begins which pushes readers to become aware of prevention, recognition, and signs of these incidents in school settings.

[johniece · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is really a good book to help children open up to a adult who they can trust about child abuse. Most children are being abuse by someone they know like a family member. This book can help save lives of many young children.

[abarajas09 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Genre: Realistic FictionReview: This is a good example of realistic fiction because although there is a deep message about sexual abuse, it is also a good reminder of how school can be a safe place and how we also have to respect it. Media: watercolor, Pencil