Not in Room 204

September 1, 2007
Gr 1-3-After a lesson on stranger danger, Mrs. Salvador tells her students that if someone touches a child "in ways they shouldn't," she knows exactly what to do. Quiet Regina Lillian Hadwig has a secret, and she sits up and takes notice, eventually confiding in her teacher. 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. However, when the teacher asks Lillian if she has been touched inappropriately, the child nods, and the teacher again promises that she knows "exactly what to do." Leading a child in a disclosure of sexual abuse is a questionable practice and, as any mandated reporter knows, once a report is filed, what follows is out of the teacher's hands entirely. An introductory note reminds readers that prevention "is an adult's job" and provides a link to Darkness to Light, an excellent organization that teaches adults how to prevent and respond to child abuse. The audience for this picture book may well be adults, who will be reassured and hopefully inspired by Mrs. Salvador's example of firm boundaries lovingly enforced. In the right hands, this story could open discussion with children about sexual abuse or let a child know that there are adults who will listen. For slightly younger children, Peter Ledwon's "Mia's Secret" (Tundra, 2006) encourages telling without leading the child or implying promises that cannot be kept."Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2007
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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)