Literacy Matters Vol. 23 Winter 2023

noogied, hugged too tight, picked up, and tickled by his family members. Miles decides he has had enough! When he announces that he is the boss of his own body, his

We believe these books can serve as invaluable discussion resources regarding sexual abuse to develop knowledge, engender empathy and compassion, and prepare young

people to advocate for themselves and others. Consent and Bodily Autonomy: Picture Books (Preschool-Grade 3) Hug? Chua, C. (2020). Kids Can Press. ISBN: 978 1525302060 After coughing up a hairball,

whole family expresses support and respect for his boundaries. Through colorful, comic-book style illustrations, this book sets a healthy example of actions and reactions for children and adults.

Don’t Touch My Hair! Miller, S. (2018). Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0316562584 Permission is the theme of this entertaining picture book. The narrator, Aria, has a gorgeous head of hair. It is so beautiful that everyone wants to touch it. However, as Aria explains, she dislikes when they do. Follows Aria through the jungle, underwater, and into outer space

an unnamed little girl’s cat does not feel well. The girl offers to give her cat a hug, which makes them both feel better. A dog notices and asks for a hug, too. Then some

Literacy Matters Feature Article

ducks come along and ask for hugs. Then a skunk, a bear, and a porcupine! How many hugs are too many? How much more of this can she take? With spare text and wonderfully expressive illustrations, this playful, funny picture book shows that hugs can be important to our happiness, but that does not mean they are always welcome. This story can facilitate discussions about compassion, tolerance, empathy, and boundaries.

as she evades the outstretched hands that attempt to reach her hair. Miller uses dynamic illustrations full of comedic detail to illuminate the point at which innocent curiosity violates consent.

Rissy No Kissies Howes, K. (2021). Carolrhoda Books. Illustrator/Artist: Engle, J. ISBN: 978 1541597983 Rissy comes from a family of lovebirds that love showing affection to one another, but all the physical contact makes Rissy uncomfortable. At first, her family

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept Sanders, J. (2011). Educate2Empower Publishing. Illustrator/Artist: Smith, C. ISBN: 978-0987186010 When Sir Alfred and his mother, Lady Susan, fall on hard times, she takes a job as a cleaner at the castle of the rich and famous Lord Henry. While Lady Susan works, Alfred and Sir Henry play together. At first, Alfred

wonders if she is sick, confused, or rude, but Rissy helps her family learn that there is no one right way to show you care and that her need for physical boundaries is okay. Endnotes provide additional information for kids, caregivers, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.

has fun, but then Sir Henry begins to touch and tickle Alfred in ways that make him feel “uncomfortable and sick inside.”When Alfred asks him to stop, he threatens to fire his mother. Alfred must learn that some secrets should never be kept. The comprehensive notes to the reader and discussion questions at the back of the book support both adults and children in discussing the story. Resources for Elementary Grades: HowMy Third-Graders and I Address Consent (Kleinrock, 2018) • SEL Lesson of the Week: Setting Boundaries and Personal Space (Lesson for SEL, 2021). • Teaching Consent to Elementary Students (Minero, 2019) Unwanted Attention and Harassment: Chapter Books (Grades 4 - 8) Maybe He Just Likes You Dee, B. (2019). Aladdin. ISBN: 978-1534432376 Mila is anxious about starting middle school, especially since things are tough at home. She has grown a bit, and her clothes are too tight, but she does not want to say anything, relying instead on a favorite fuzzy green sweater that is loose enough

Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)

Finison, C. (2021). G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. Illustrator/Artist: Wiseman, D. ISBN: 978-0989407137 Doug looks huggable, but he does not like hugs. Others ask about various situations, but Doug says no to them all. This upbeat book

empowers children to believe that it is okay to tell people they do not want to hug and that asserting personal boundaries is healthy and normal. Readers will learn that it is okay to like hugs always, sometimes, or never and to always ask before hugging. Miles Is the Boss of His Body Kurtzman-Counter, S. & Schiller, A. (2014). The Mother Company. ISBN: 978 0989407137 Miles is excited about his sixth birthday party until he receives more affection than he wants or appreciates. He gets pinched,

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