Something is Wrong at My House Author: Diane Davis, MA Publisher: Parenting Press, Revised edition (March 15, 2010) Paperback: 40 pages ISBN-10: 1884734650 ISBN-13: 978-1884734656

Book Description
Based on a true story, this 32-page book shows a child seeking, and finally obtaining, help in a domestic violence situation. Written so that it can be used with both the very young, and the school-age child, Something Is Wrong at My House provides brief text with illustrations on one page of each two-page spread, and more detailed information on the facing page. Ideal for use by school nurses, counselors, social workers and teachers, and by therapists, and the staff in shelters.

This book is geared to the child living in a household with domestic violence.  It offers some good tips on how to explain to the child how to channel their anger. It gives children options about who they can talk to about their home situation.  Having a safety plan in effect is covered with this topic.  Instructions included on calling 911 and how to report physical violence. This edition suggests ages 3-10.  My personal opinion  is that it is geared more towards school aged children.  This would be a good book to include in an anti-bullying program in school.  I suspect that some child bullies may possibly come from a household with domestic violence.  

My five year-old grandson loves to read books with me.  This particular book did not seem to hold his attention. I chose to read this book as there is a history of domestic violence between my dd and her exbf.(gs dad) His dad has hit his mother in the past, but he was younger and perhaps does not recall.  

About the Author
Something Is Wrong at My House was a cathartic project for Diane Davis. It ended up launching a career for her. The author completed her B.A. and M.A. degrees after writing the book, spent 20 years as a child and family counselor and began work as adjunct faculty at Seattle-area colleges. She continues teaching today on a part-time basis at Bellevue College and North Seattle Community College.

In addition to domestic violence, Davis works with children with special needs (autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder), chemical dependency, abuse prevention, anger management, grief and loss in children, positive communication, and positive parenting. She has written sexual abuse prevention curricula and co-produced  video for parents on how to respond to a child's disclosure of sexual abuse.

As a trainer/consultant for Child Care Resources & Referral of King County, School's Out Washington, the state Department of Social and Health Services DSHS Child Protective Services Division, Puget Sound Educational Service District, Washington State Association of Head Start/ECEAP, Seattle Public Schools, Bellevue Public Schools, and the King County Health Department, Davis has provided classes, workshops, and on-site coaching to educators, parents, volunteers, social service providers, and childcare providers. A graduate of Antioch University, Davis is a West Seattle resident.

Recommended reading level: Ages 6 and up.