When You Know What I Know
Girl heals after sexual abuse in poignant novel in verse.
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that When You Know What I Know, by Sonja K. Solter, is a novel in verse about the psychological and social impact on a 10-year-old girl named Tori and her family after she's molested by a beloved uncle. In Tori's first-person narration, she refers to what happened to her only as "something bad," except for once as "IT," and the implication is clear that what she experienced was inappropriate touching. It's eventually revealed that the man has been arrested under accusations he has assaulted other children. This book helps readers understand the complicated feelings that may arise for a child who has been sexually abused by a family member. A subplot deals with coping with the financial and emotional impacts of a divorce.
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What's the Story?
In WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW, 10-year-old Tori lives with her mom and sister, with Uncle Andy and Grandma visiting them frequently. Her dad lives far away with his new wife and baby. One day, Uncle Andy does "something bad" to Tori on the couch in the basement. Tori tells her mother, who doesn't believe her at first but soon accepts the truth. Tori's distress affects her school work, relationships with her friends, and even her ability to care for her pet hamster (which was a gift from Uncle Andy). She also has to cope with the conflicts between family members, like her grandma, who's reluctant to cut ties with Andy. Gradually, the family comes together to support Tori, and they all begin to heal.
Is It Any Good?
This gentle take on a sensitive subject could be comforting for a child coping with sexual abuse. Debut author Sonja K. Solter made a wise decision in choosing to write When You Know What I Know in verse. The poetry conveys the sense of participating intimately in Tori's inner journey through a difficult experience in her life. The tale is emotionally raw without having to be graphic about the abuse. It might be too intense for young readers with no previous exposure to the subject.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about keeping a secret in When You Know What I Know. When is it OK to keep a secret, and when is it important to tell someone you trust what you know? Why was it important for Tori to tell her mom what happened to her? What parent or adult in your life can you tell if something bad happens to you?
Why do you think it was hard for Tori's mom to believe her at first?
Have you ever had to help a friend through a hard time? How did you support them?
Book Details
- Author: Sonja K. Solter
- Genre: Poetry
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: March 8, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 204
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 4, 2020
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