| Sarah's Waterfall: A Healing Story by Ellery Akers, illustrated by Angelique Benicio
Sarah, an elementary-school-age survivor of sexual abuse, has come to live with her beloved grandmother. Sarah's Waterfall tells the story of Sarah's year of healing, in her own words. The story unfolds as journal entries beginning with the start of the school year at a new school, as Sarah joins a girls survivors group led by the school psychologist. Sarah makes friends with another young survivor, Paula, who has frizzy hair, a whole bunch of pets, and a great sense of humor. Surrounded by Gram's safe and loving presence, Sarah can begin to heal and enjoy life again. As the year unfolds, she writes poems, develops her first close friendship, gains new skills to overcome her past, and at her counselor's encouragement, draws beautiful waterfalls as a symbol of her health and wholeness. Through her journal, Sarah also describes some of the healing exercises used in her survivors group at school. Gorgeous color illustrations support Sarah's story.
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