by

When her neighbor touches her where she doesn’t want to be touched, twelve year-old Cassie is confused and frightened. What should she do? Where can she turn? A story that happens all too often to young girls, Cassie learns how to stand up for herself, seek help, and rebuild her life.
PURCHASE:
Paperback
eBook
Kindle
Bulk orders
Teaching guide
Follow the Hamilton High series on Facebook.
Paperback
160 pages
ISBN 978-1-929777-08-2
Grades 7-10
Reading level: 4.2
Lexile count: 730
AR: 6.0 IL: UG BL: 4.2
An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
Telling has also been translated into Chinese (not available through New Wind Publishing).
I can’t talk about what he’s been doing to me.
“You’re a tough kid to catch alone. You know I won’t hurt you.”
He groped for the buttons on my jeans, trying to undo them.
“Let me go,” I gasped.
National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention wrote:Reynolds competently presents the many complex motivations of all participants… As Young Adult readers easily relate to Cassie’s story, they will effortlessly learn from her experience.
School Library Journal wrote:Wonderful novel for every church, every junior high and high school library, and every English class… important literature for all teenagers. Highly recommended.
Booklist wrote:In this frank, yet sensitive portrayal of child molestation, Reynolds has done a superb job of weaving the complexities of difficult issues into the life of an innocent child. The characters are believable and sympathetic, especially Cassie and her adolescent friends. Even when faced with such ugliness in her life, she can still occasionally giggle about boys, pass notes in English class, and have pillow fights with her best friend. Her story resonates with authenticity, and it will surely touch many readers.
Midwest Book Review wrote:Non-sensational yet specific, this well-written book explores the conflicting emotions of both an early adolescent who cannot fathom why an adult male would find her attractive and parents who must face the difficulty of protecting their daughter while exposing a dangerous individual. A sad, frightening, ultimately hopeful, and definitely worthwhile purchase.
Readers wrote:One of the most realistic accounts available of the dilemma posed by sexual abuse of a minor is presented in this fine true-life story which chronicles a young pre-teen's confusion when an admired neighbor approaches her.
I have been through sexual abuse with my stepfather and your book about telling just helped me realize that I had to tell. . . what happened —C.G.
I recently finished reading your book Telling. I wanted to get in contact with you, to say Thank You, for writing this book. I simply wish I would have read it earlier so when I was a victim, I would have known what to do. Your book, spoke to me. When I read your book, I felt so much pain for Cassie. I find out on August 31 what sentence my assaulter will face. That day, I will be free from the chains he attached to me so long ago.
I know that if I would have seen this book when I was eleven, when the same thing was happening to me, I might have had the courage to tell someone before it went too far. Your book gives a helping hand to all the hurting girls out there . . . and helps parents confront this issue to help the daughters get through their ordeals.—Anonymous