Never, No Matter What by Maryleah Otto

Illustrated by Clover Clarke. The Women's Press, 1988.

Mark's Mum doesn't pick him up at day care. When his teacher tries to call home, the line is busy for a long time. She takes him home, where it's clear that Dad has been beating Mum. The teacher reminds Mum that Dad's behavior is not acceptable, and gives her the phone number of a women's shelter. Moments later, Mark's little sister, Sara, tears up a picture Mark made at day care, and Mark responds by yelling at her, cussing, and punching her. Mum stops him immediately, first yelling and pushing, then crying and hugging him. When Dad leaves the house, Mum calls the shelter and takes Mark and Sara there. The adults and children there are kind to the family. The shelter director explains that it is never OK for Dad to hit them, and Mum tells Mark that they may not live with him any more because it isn't safe. Mark misses his home, but feels safe at the shelter. The story is followed by some questions and answers about partner violence. This story should probably only be used with children who have shown aggressive behavior similar to Mark's.

Ages: 4-8
Cultural Context: multicultural