Baby Help

Melissa doesn't consider herself abused—Rudy only hits her occasionally when he's drinking—until she realizes the effect his abuse is having on their child. Finally Melissa leaves Rudy, and she and Cheyenne go to the shelter for battered women. As difficulties with group living arise, however, she misses the good times with Rudy. The clarity of Melissa's decision soon fades, and she finds herself again in a dangerous situation, more trapped than ever before.

Because her partner continues to abuse her, seventeen-year-old Melissa takes their young child and goes to a shelter for battered women where she begins the healing process.

Melissa doesn't consider herself abused—Rudy only hits her occasionally when he's drinking—until she realizes the effect his abuse is having on their child. Finally Melissa leaves Rudy, and she and Cheyenne go to the shelter for battered women. As difficulties with group living arise, however, she misses the good times with Rudy. The clarity of Melissa's decision soon fades, and she finds herself again in a dangerous situation, more trapped than ever before.

Children's Literature

Life isn't easy for teen mom Melissa Fisher. But Melissa plans to graduate from high school and give her twenty-month-old daughter, Cheyenne, a happy home life with Cheyenne's father, Rudy. She even dreams of marriage and moving out of the crowded apartment they share with Rudy's mother. Her dreams are shattered when her boyfriend, who "only hits her when he's drinking," treats their baby roughly. Melissa's escape to a shelter for battered women and children is just the first step on a long journey toward freedom and healing. Although fictional, the situations and characters in this new addition to the "True-to-Life" series from Hamilton High ring true as it chronicles the vicious chain of physical and emotional abuse. While there is some profanity, the story provides a springboard for frank discussions with teens and parents. It is also an excellent resource book for high school family life/health classes.

Marilyn Reynolds has decades of experience working with at-risk students in California alternative schools. She is the author of the True-to-Life from Hamilton High series.