Heritage University
SOWK 310A
Instructor: Corey Hodge
Book Review Assignment
There are many great resources that are available for mass consumption. Family violence
is not a rare problem, and many authors have chosen to write on the subject in hopes of
educating others and making a difference.
After reading a book that was provided on the list of titles or another book that was
approved by the instructor, please write a review of that book considering the following
questions. Please limit your book review to no more than three double-spaced pages.

Please briefly summarize the book. Include such information as the key
principals that the author was trying to convey and the target audience.

How well was the information conveyed? In what style does the author write?
Does he/she make the material understandable for the target audience?

What is your position on the issues that the author raises? Do you agree or
disagree (if appropriate)? Please give your rationale.

How do you intend to apply what you have learned from reading the book?
Will there be changes you will make in your professional practice or in other
areas of your life? How might you need to shift your thinking to make the
applications? Be specific and concrete in your ideas. This is the most
important aspect of this paper, so be sure to address this question to the best of
your abilities.

Would you recommend the book to professionals? To clients or parents of
clients? To friends or family?
Your paper, worth a total of 25 points, will be graded with the following weights:




5 points for a concise summary of the book
5 points for your critique of the work
10 points for application of the information to your future practice
5 points for grammar/spelling
Books for Review
This is a list of possible books for the Book Review assignment. Each addresses some
aspect of family violence and is intended for the general public. Please choose a book
from the list or submit another title for instructor approval.
Adams, Caren and Fay, Jennifer. Helping Your Child Recover From Sexual Abuse
Desetta, Al. The Heart Knows Something Different: Teenage Voices from the Foster
Care System: Youth Communication
Freeman-Longo, Robert and Blanchard, Geral. Sexual Abuse in America: Epidemic of
the 21st Century.
Hird, Mary. Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Maltreatment: What Can Be Done to Stop It.
Hunter, Mic. Abused Boys: The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse
Karr-Morse, Robin and Wiley, Meredith. Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots
of Violence.
Lowenthal, Barbara. Abuse and Neglect: The Educator's Guide to the Identification
and Prevention of Child Abuse
Mather, Cynthia. How Long Does it Hurt? A guide to recovering from incest and
sexual abuse for teenagers, their friends, and their families.
Malos, Ellen, et al. Children’s Perspectives on Domestic Violence.
McAlister Groves, Betsy. Children Who See Too Much: Lessons from the Child
Witness to Violence Project.
Monteleone, James A. A Parent's & Teacher's Handbook on Identifying and
Preventing Child Abuse
Pelzer, Dave. A Child Called “IT”: One Child’s Courage to Survive
Sandell, Diane S. and Hudson, Lois. Ending Elder Abuse: A Family Guide
Temple-Plotz, Lana, et al. Practical Tools for Foster Parents.
Van Dam, Carla. Identifying Child Molesters: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse by
Recognizing the Patterns of the Offenders.
Weiss, Elaine. Family and Friends' Guide to Domestic Violence: How to Listen,
Talk and Take Action When Someone You Care About is Being Abused