Telling: 1 (Hamilton High True-To-Life)

At the age of twelve Cassie is old enough to babysit. But when the father of two children for whom she babysits fondles her Cassie is too confused and embarrassed to know what to do. She becomes more and more frightened as he continues to aggressively molest her. At last she tells her teenage cousin Lisa and together they try to find ways to cope. Lisa realizes the escalating situation is more than the two of them can handle on their own and she breaks her vow of silence. The story explores the conflicting emotions of a young adolescent and the concern of parents who must protect their daughters privacy and her well-being. In spite of the horrors of molestation this is ultimately a story of healing and hope.