A-B-USED ME

A-B-USED ME needs to be left out in the open in every school library, doctor's office, and even stores in hopes it will grab the attention of young readers struggling to find the help they need to survive abusive situations. A young girl is illustrated going through the experience of being abused by her older brother. After keeping the silence for so long, she finally tells her mother only to be punished, the abuse continues. In real life her silence went on until much later but the book provides information about an avenue she could have taken if she had known a "Child Help" Line existed.

Cheryl AM Burns is a Western New York native who has spent 15 years of her teaching career working with Alternative Education students. Her passion for teaching and care of students allowed her to help many students cope and move on from tremendous adversities. Growing up in an abusive family, she has utilized her experiences to move people in a positive direction. While working with psychologists for approximately 7 years, facing her own challenges, Burns was inspired to write and illustrate this book which depicts one of her experiences in hopes of encouraging young people to seek help if they are in abusive situations.