April 2026 Reading Club: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Posted by liaison on April 1st, 2026 Posted in: All Members, Opportunity to Participate

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Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as abuse, neglect, household instability, and exposure to violence—are more common than many realize and can have lasting effects on health, relationships, and well-being. Research from agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that ACEs are linked to increased risks of chronic disease, mental health challenges, and substance use later in life, while also emphasizing that these outcomes are preventable. By understanding how early adversity shapes development and how protective factors like supportive relationships and safe environments can buffer its impact, we can begin to shift the conversation from awareness to action, helping individuals and communities build resilience and healthier futures.

This month, the NNLM Reading Club has selected three books to discuss ACEs to support understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder in children.

• The House of My Mother by Shari Franke – A gripping true story that pulls back the curtain on a viral family empire, revealing hidden abuse, resilience, and one daughter’s powerful journey to freedom and healing.
• Dust Child by Dr. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai – A haunting and lyrical tale of two sisters bound by war and legacy, discovering healing and connection across divides of time, culture, and identity.
• The Golden Hour by Niki Smith – After a traumatic act of violence, a withdrawn teen finds unexpected connection, healing, and purpose through photography—and two classmates who begin to pull him back into the world.

For additional resources, check out NNLM Reading Club’s Adverse Childhood Experiences guide.