Jenny Speaks Out (Books Beyond Words)

Jenny has moved into a new home in the community, but she is very unhappy and unsettled. Things come to a head when her carer finds a photo of her Dad.Sensitively, the carer helps Jenny to feel secure enough to talk about why she is upset. Jenny discloses that she was sexually abused by her father. The story shows how the warmth and trust of her carer and friends begin a healing process which will bring hope and a fresh start for Jenny. Jenny Speaks Out may enable a person with learning disabilities or mental health problems to open up about their experience of sexual abuse.The second half of the book consists of supporting written text. There is background information on sexual abuse, including the necessity of gaining medical evidence if it is reported as a crime. Advice is given to dispel commonly held beliefs, such as 'It happened to me because I m bad' and 'I can t have sex again because I'm dirty'. There is also a suggested storyline and recommended helpful organisations and further written resources.

'The excellent Books Beyond Words series encourages client empowerment in a dynamic way.'

- British Journal of Learning Disabilities

What are Books Beyond Words?
Few picture books are available for adults and adolescents who cannot read or who have difficulty reading. Fewer still provide information and address the emotional aspects of difficult events like the Books Beyond Words series. Each specially commissioned book actively addresses the problems of understanding that people with learning and communication difficulties experience.

The stories are told through colour pictures that include mime and body language, to communicate simple, explicit messages. These help 'readers' to cope with emotions and events such as going to the doctor, bereavement, sexual abuse and depression.

People with learning disabilities trial every single picture before publication to ensure they can be readily understood.
Supporting text and guidelines are given at the back of each book.
The authors are all experts in their fields.
Lists of resources and helpful organisations are provided where appropriate.

'This series has established the highest reputation for tackling complex and difficult issues, clearly, compassionately and with considerable skill.'
- Viewpoint (Mencap)

'Books Beyond Words offer a useful resource for prompting discussion on a variety of issues.' - Communication

Who should use Books Beyond Words?

Books Beyond Words can be used by:

Anyone who understands pictures better than words.
People with learning or communication difficulties.
People with literacy problems.
People for whom English is a second language when an interpreter is not available.
Anyone who speaks a different language.
Relatives, friends, supporters and advocates.
Teachers, social workers, health and legal professionals, police officers.

'These books are powerful interpretive tools for anyone who works with people with developmental disabilities'
- Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology

'The acid test for these publications has to be whether or not one would find them useful in clinical practice... my own answer would be an unequivocal 'Yes'.
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research

By telling the whole story in pictures, Books Beyond Words titles help people to prepare for an event or to deal with something that has happened. People are able to relate the pictures to their own experiences, without being distracted or confused by accompanying text. The pictures share information and show procedures, but they also illustrate emotions relevant to the topic or experience.

Also Available

Susan's Growing Up (Books Beyond Words) - ISBN 190124251X
The Psychotherapy of Psychosis - ISBN 1901242048