Not in Room 204 is a picture book written by Shannon Riggs and
illustrated by Jaime Zollars.
Summary
This is the story of a young
girl who has a secret. She is being
sexually abused by her father. The story
conveys how the teacher, Mrs. Salvador, works all year long to establish a classroom
that is physically and emotionally safe, as well as disciplined. She addresses issues in the classroom by
saying, you may do that other places, “But not in Room 204” (Riggs, 2007). She talks about how bullying, name calling,
fighting, stealing, and poor work are unacceptable in Room 204. Through her statements and her actions she is
defining limits, and building rapport and trust with her students.
The main character, Regina
Lillian Hadwig, begins to feel safe with Mrs. Salvador. The teacher notices that Regina is quiet and
reaches out to her. After a stranger
danger lesson, Mrs. Salvador takes it one step further by saying, “But it’s not
always strangers who touch children in ways they shouldn’t be touched. Usually it’s someone the child knows” (Riggs,
2007). Regina feels safe enough with
Mrs. Salvador that she is bravely able to tell the teacher her own story.
Impression
If you were to believe the “Awful
Library Books Blog” you would come away with the impression that this book is
unnecessary and has creepy pictures. And that is quite absurd on both fronts. Because the librarian has shelved the book
inappropriately, is not quite sure where to put it, and is confused about the
audience for this book, she has weeded it.
Bloggers should re-read what they write before they post it, otherwise
they might find too late that they sound ignorant.
Not in My Room can
help victims of sexual abuse know that they are not alone. It can help them see that there are people
out there who can help. Some children
and young adults may not know where to turn.
It gives them someone to identify with and helps them to know that while
it may take courage, they too can get help.
It illustrates the type of person someone in crisis could go to. The title of the book is vague for a very
good reason, privacy. Who wants to pick
up a book that says, “What to do if you are sexually abused” on the cover? If the book is shelved properly, it will get
into the hands of the person who needs it.
A commentator on the blog said that the book
should be with counselors, but it didn't belong in a public library. Really?
Did she read the book? It is not
a therapy book, but a book about telling.
In my public library, it was shelved in the 362.76 section for Abused
and Neglected Children. Exactly where it
should be. Anyone who is searching abuse
or sexual abuse will find it. It is unlikely
that a child looking for a picture book would inadvertently stumble upon it,
but if they did, the pictures and the text are not inappropriate. The book does not belong in the general
picture book section or the parenting section.
This is not a book parents would read to their children, even if they
knew that the child was experiencing abuse; again it’s not a therapeutic book, but
a book about telling.
Not in My Room would
also be appropriate for teachers and school counselors. It is not a teacher read aloud book, but a
teacher education book. It demonstrates
some good tips to setting up a safe classroom in a nonthreatening way. Reading it would be a great start to a
teacher in-service on reporting abuse. School
counselors may use it with students they suspect are experiencing abuse.
The person who wrote this
review said that she weeded it because it was never checked out. Since it was located in the parenting section,
that is probably true. Wrong
audience. And, as another commentator
pointed out, it may not be a book that is checked out and taken home, but one
that is read in the library.
Reading the review and
comments on the Awful Library Book Blog reminded me that it is truly important
to read a book, consider the audience, and shelve it properly. This book needs to be available for those who
may go looking for a little courage.
Library Uses
This book is not a book you
would use for a story time read aloud.
It is not meant for that. It is
meant to be available for a person who is looking for help, or for a
professional who may be a helper. The
librarian’s job with this book is to shelve it properly, be aware of its
presence, and make it available if ever asked.
I understand space can be a premium, but the book is current, and
unfortunately, too many kids are experiencing this abuse.
The librarian could put
together a list of some books, and do short summaries, for teachers and other
professionals who may be looking for resources on abuse and other issues. She could send an email to school
administrators asking them to distribute the information. As a teacher and counselor it would be
helpful to know what is available.
Professional Reviews
“Regina Lillian Hadwig loves
Room 204. Her teacher, Mrs. Salvador, makes sure that all of the children
follow the rules. Desks are kept neat, wisecracks are not allowed and there is
no fighting. “In Room 204, we keep our bodies to ourselves,” Mrs. Salvador
says. When the class does a unit on Stranger Danger, Mrs. Salvador mentions
that it’s not only strangers who touch children in ways they shouldn’t be
touched, and tells the class in no uncertain terms that she knows exactly how
to help if any of them has such a problem. When Regina comes in early the next
morning and reveals that her father has been touching her inappropriately, Mrs.
Salvador repeats that she knows exactly what to do, and unburdened and relaxed,
Regina is now ready for a new day at school. Overall, the text is strong and
graceful, the story manages to avoid proselytizing and appealing illustrations
grace the pages. If the ending is pat, it may serve a purpose: comforting
readers. A good choice for parents and teachers who plan to address safety and
molestation with children. (Picture book. 5-8)”
--Kirkus, 2010
References
Not in Room 204. (2011, March
16). Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://awfullibrarybooks.net/not-in-room-204/
Not in room 204 by Shannon
Riggs , Jaime Zollars | Kirkus. (2010, May 20). Retrieved March 1, 2015, from
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/shannon-riggs/not-in-room-204/
Riggs, S., & Zollars, J.
(2007). Not in room 204. Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman.
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