February 2022 NNLM Reading Club: Teen Dating Violence

Posted by Michele Spatz on February 1st, 2022 Posted in: Blog, Consumer Health, Health Literacy, Health Observances, News from NNLM, Public Libraries
Tags: consumer health, health literacy, National Health Observances, NNLM Reading Club

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In February our hearts turn to Valentine’s Day, the social and cultural phenomenon focused on love and romance. For young adults this can be a challenging time. What does a healthy relationship look like?

February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM).  This is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens. Dating violence impacts parents, teachers, friends, and communities, as well.

Together, we can raise the nation’s awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships. The NNLM Reading Club has selected three books to start the conversation:

Breathing Underwater 2^nd ed., a Young Adult novel by Alex Flinn exposes how relationship violence is perpetuated. In this book, a popular high school boy who’s been physically and emotionally abused by his father then abuses his girlfriend. We read about the protagonist’s  journey when he is court-ordered to get help.

In the Young Adult novel What Kind of Girl by Alyssa B Sheinmel, the reported abuse of a high school teen is explored through different perspectives – the immensely popular abuser, his girlfriend who bravely reports the abuse, and her best friend. These different voices provide insight into the many difficult aspects of abusive relationships.

In the graphic novel Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, author Mariko Tamaki looks at young love and what happens when one partner questions the healthiness of their relationship and discerns who or what needs to change.

We encourage you to learn more about supporting healthy teen relationships by reading one of these books and discussing it in your book club. Visit NNLM Reading. Club: Teen Dating Violence to get started.