Awards
Oregon Book Awards Finalist
Synopses & Reviews
Regina Lillian Hadwig, a very quiet student, is keeping a secret that even her mom doesn't know, but her teacher Mrs. Salvador helps her talk about her secret when she teaches Regina about Stranger Danger and that sometimes the "stranger" is someone you know.
Review
Booklist Starred Review
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. Carolyn Phelan, Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved.
Synopsis
A teacher tells the children in her class to talk to an adult if they are being sexually abused.
Synopsis
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?
Synopsis
At a report card conference, Mrs. Salvador tells Regina's mom that Regina is doing a great job, but that she is very quiet. Regina thinks of the secret she keeps so quiet--the one even her mom doesn't know, about the secret things her father does.
About the Author
Shannon Riggs is a Salem, Oregon writer. Her work has appeared in many magazines and in several anthologies. Shannon is available for school visits in Oregon in relation to her picture book, Not in Room 204. For more information, please visit www.shannonriggs.com.