Reena's Bollywood Dream: A Story about Sexual Abuse

· Loving Healing Press
3.0
6 reviews
Ebook
24
Pages
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About this ebook

Reena wants to be a star...
...A Bollywood star. Unfortunately, her family won't stand for it. It doesn't help that Reena is only eight-years-old. However, a beacon of hope arrives in the form of Uncle Jessi. He's just emigrated from India to America, and is a welcome addition to her family household. Uncle Jessi and Reena share a special bond. Not only are they old pen pals, but he recognizes her desperation to become a Bollywood actress.

One day, Uncle Jessi plans a secret surprise. He invites her to take part in a pretend acting game. Reena jumps at the chance. At first, she enjoys swinging her hips to Bollywood beats. She smiles brightly at his camera. However, halfway through her performance matters take an unexpected turn. The end results surprise both Reena and Uncle Jessi.
Important lessons come through an action-driven story and beautiful illustrations:

Children will learn that sexual abuse is NEVER their fault.ÿParents and children will be given a launching pad to discuss the warning signs of "grooming."ÿChildren will come away knowing they have the power to say: "NO." Children will discover that sexual abuse can occur in any cultural group.ÿChildren can be assured that they will be believed when reporting inappropriate behavior.ÿTherapists and parents can exhibit that sexual abuse isn't an off-limits topic. Child abuse survivors will come away knowing they are not alone.ÿ

Therapists' Acclaim for "Reena's Bollywood Dream"
""Reena's Bollywood Dream" is exceptionally well-written. It works as an educational piece to foster awareness to children and their families regarding the realities of sexual abuse within the South Asian community. This informative book can help alter a child's life for the better."
--Sadia Khaliq, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., Community Treatment Coordinator, Centre for Addiction and Mental Healthÿ

"With a captivating story and beautiful illustration, and with a message that is cross-cultural and educational, Reena's Bollywood Dream can help children understand the sad reality that there are those who can hurt them but there is also means of staying safe--with others' help. I recommend this book highly to all families; it can be instrumental to starting a conversation about a difficult topic."
--Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, Founder and CEO, Stop the Silence

Juvenile Fiction: Social Issues - Sexual Abuse
Family & Relationships: Abuse - Child Abuse
Social Science: Ethnic Studies - Asian American Studies

Ratings and reviews

3.0
6 reviews
A Google user
April 5, 2012
Not bad
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About the author

Jewel Kats was born Michelle Meera Katyal in Toronto, Canada on November 24, 1978. At the age of nine, she was involved in a car accident, which left her with limited use of her legs. She became an author and disability advocate. For six years, she wrote a syndicated teen advice column for Scripps Howard News Service and The Halifax Chronicle Herald. She wrote 11 books and created the Fairy Ability Tales series, which reimagined fairy tales to feature a protagonist with a disability or chronic illness. Her books include What Do You Use to Help Your Body?: Maggie Explores the World of Disabilities, DitzAbled Princess: A Comical Diary Inspired by Real Life, and Miss Popular Steals the Show: Girls in Wheelchairs Rule! She has won several awards including two Mom's Choice silver medals, a gold medal from Gelett Burgess Awards, and a bronze medal from IPPY Awards. She was the inspiration behind Archie Comics character, Harper Lodge. She died on January 7, 2016 at the age of 37.

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