Bruises (Laurel-Leaf Books)

Judith is a battered 12-year-old who blames herself rather than her mother for her mother's constant and increasing physical abuse. Michael, one of her classmates, recently suffered from the emotional abuse of his severely critical father. When Michael befriends Judith, he is able to slowly, cautiously lead her toward self-confidence while he takes his own tentative steps toward forgiving his newly repentant father. With compelling drama and authenticity, Michael's and Judith's stories unfold toward hope-filled yet realistic resolutions. Anke de Vries's portrayal of an all-too-common family horror is loving, honest, and piercingly insightful.