Don’t Hurt Laurie

by Willo Davis Roberts, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator)

Laurie is physically abused by her mother. Can she escape? Will anyone believe her story?.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Abuse, Contemporary

176 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1977

About the author

Willo Davis Roberts was an American writer chiefly known for her mystery novels for children and young adults. She won Edgar Allan Poe awards in 1989, 1995, and 1997 for best juvenile and best young adult mysteries. Her books included The View from the Cherry Tree, Twisted Summer, Don't Hurt Laurie, Megan's Island, Baby-sitting is a Dangerous Job, Hostage, The Girl with Silver Eyes, The One Left Behind and Scared Stiff.

Reviews

[Jenna (out touching grass & tech detoxing!)]

...Aaaaand that I read almost exclusively books like this while growing up is probably the reason that I’m now a licensed clinical social worker.

[Krista]

Read ?

This book had a profound book on me during my childhood. As an abusive victim, it helped me not feel alone and gave me hope that one day things would change.

As it turns out, I had a chance to meet the author when I was in grade school and I still have the version of this book she signed for me. She didn't know at that time (and still doesn't to this day) the strength Laurie gave me through this book.

This is a quick, yet heart-wrenching tale put in a children's book. Worth tracking down and reading. Have the tissues ready.

(reviewed 09/22/08)

[Layton]

I feel strange putting up a review of this for my review month considering that none of my friends have read this, and probably aren't likely to considering that this is a children's book. I really don't care though. I read this when I was in the fourth grade and some of the scenes have never left me. I was such a strange child, enjoying books about child abuse and mental illness while my classmates read their Goosebumps and Boxcar Childrens.

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This is a book that I've always had a very hard time believing ever got published. What publisher in the eighties would dare publish a book with a cutesy pink cover, where a little girl is terribly abused?
That publisher (who I am not going to look up because I'm lazy), had gonads of fucking steel.

I mean just look at the girly cover of the copy I read.



Kinda makes me wonder why I was drawn to it in the first place...

Here is the Goodreads description of this book:

Laurie's been keeping a secret for as long as she can remember, a secret that she's afraid to tell anyone else. The only other person who knows is Annabelle, her mother - because Annabelle is the one who beats her.

Then, one day, Annabelle goes too far - and Laurie is finally desperate enough to do something to save herself.

I'l tell you the very few things that I remember about this book years after reading it.

1. The child abuse isn't really described till around halfway through the book. Laurie hints about different occurences of it for the first half or so.

2. When the violence is finally described for us, or fourth grade me, it is fucking terrifying. I'm going to spoil you here and tell you that the mother, whose name I had forgotten till I read that description, takes Laurie's head and beats it against the side of a bath tub. And dear lord, I remember it taking the time to make sure we know it is one of those hard cast iron tubs with the porcelain interior, and the clawed feet. And this girl has her head beat against the rim of it.

*shudders*

I can't even.

3. I remember Laurie, who became a very sympathetic character, had a dictionary that she loved and would learn words every night before she went to bed. Fourth grade me loved this side of Laurie.

4. I vaguely remember the books resolution.

******************************************
For fourth grade Layton, this book had a powerful effect. Hell, it may not even be as bad as I remember it.

But like I said, this book is powerful, and it taught me to speak up when you see something bad happening, not to just ignore it.



*****************************************

4 stars for this great little out-of-print book.

My friends, don't seek this book out, but if you come across a copy grab it and read it just for the hell of it.

[Monique]

I hated it. I mean hate in the way that you hate what happen. I really wish there was more of an ending, like go on to September and see what happens to Annabelle, or see if she(Laurie)ever finds her father. I would have also liked if they had explained more about why Annabelle abused Laurie like that and tried to lie saying she was clumsy and awkward. It was so sad and at times made me very angry. I also thought that the author could have put a little lesson in there. There is a right and a wrong way to help someone who is being abused. They should have told the grandma in the first place, but I have to admitt that with Laurie all bruised and sore that It kind of strengthed their cry for help. Overall, I don't want to say I enjoyed this, that I found it amusing or something, but I felt everybody should read a story like this at least once in their lives.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman]

Don't you hate it when a book is so heavy with "message" that it should sink like a lump of iron...and it doesn't?

Don't Hurt Laurie is one of those.  It reads like a social worker's handbook on chronic child abuse--how is it covered up; why the kid doesn't tell anyone; why people don't notice; what the giveaway signs are ....

We know it all now, but back when the book was first published it wasn't a topic on the six o'clock news.  You have to applaud Willo Davis Roberts for writing it out loud.  And, incidentally, making a good story out of it.  The nine-year-old, Tim, is an enduring hero.

I don't suggest it for an afternoon's light reading, but it's highly recommended for middle schoolers.  Sort of a reminder that people are basically good and trusting which opens the door for a real nutcase to run amok...as long as they're sneaky about it.

[Lana Harris]

This was my favorite book in fifth grade, written by my favorite author in elementary school. It was interesting to read it again as an adult who has studied trauma. Overall, it is excellent, though I wish she had made the experience more complicated for Laurie. Most often, unlike Laurie, children who are abused do not want to leave their abusers. They do not tell because yes, they do not think they will believed, but also because they are protecting their abuser, who they love. It may be difficult to even think of the incidents as abuse, but rather something that is entirely their fault. In that way, Laurie was exceptionally aware that this wasn't okay. This may be intentional, so that children who are being abused can read this book and hopefully realize the same - that this treatment isn't okay.

[Debra Raupe]

That's awful! Her mother beat her and She said Laurie is lair! Jack took her go to the hospital, what wrong with her. The doctor said she is ill. She feels embarrassment her and never hurt her kids and Laurie!

[Caroline]

Quick but sad read. I have no idea how I missed this book when I was younger!

[Lucy]

This book had a significant impact on me. I first read it in 5th grade I think. I liked how it was told from the stepbrothers POV (if I remember correctly). Such mature content for a child’s book. It definitely is not a children’s book though. Devastating, heartbreaking, and utterly frustrating.

[Yazmin Perez]

**spoiler alert***have you ever thought how it must feel to get hurt and get punished very badly by your own mother? well in this story it will tell you what laurie has been through.I specifically think this is a great book its almost like child called it accept luarie has to tell lies every time she goes to the hospital in front of everyone. Her mother makes her that's why she does it but, not also that this book will probably make you cry just like it made me. Its not like any other book its diffrent then others. all books have diffrent ideas and diffrent stories it will surprise you with the stuff that's going to happen i cant imagine a mother doing all kinds of stuff to her own daughter.In this book you'll just see what Laurie faces through.

This book is basically about a girl named Laurie who her mother punishes her very badly she has to go through hard stages especially when she dosen't have her father with her at all and has to lie at the people in the hospital just for her mother so she wont get arrested. the setting in this story takes in a lot of places like hospital,dads house,or where she lives with her mom but the main place is where her mom live's that's where it all starts. the conflict in my book is person vs person because the person named Laurie has to deal with her mother wich is the bad person in the story so Laurie vs her mother. there were many events in this story like when she got cut's from her mother. Also when she was about to tell the truth to the ladies when she went to the hospital her mom had hit her so she wouldn't tell those are just something's from the book.

The authors purpose for the book was to inform you what laurie has gone thorugh and that this can happen to anyone. hopefully this never happens but the Author is just making up a story about the girl and the mother. so you can basically see the stages.I still could'nt understand why lauries mother hurt her so badly for stupisd things for example when she ask's to go some where or when she dosent do what shes suppose to do. I hate her mother so badly in this book!

I was just suprised how laurie did'nt say anthing when she had the chance to. Espicially when she could have told the ladies when she went to the hospital. Thats when she had gotten beaten by her mother.also i understood why she would have done that because she would have no one to take care of her. Also would not have any of her parents espically when her dad is somewhere else she dosent know with someone else.

overall i think this book is really good i recommend it for anyone who likes conflicts and sad stories like this book. if i had to rate it 1 through 5 stars i would say 4 because it was good and had what i wanted to read. It just needed a little bit more of what was going on in the conflicts but, i mostly recommend this book to my teacher and classmates. i really liked this book

[Cher]

I was oddly drawn to this book in 6th grade. I think I may have raised some of the librarians concerns because I kept coming back to check it out again and again. Since its whole plot is wrapped around young Laurie trying to deal with her mother's physical abuse, I think a few school librarians thought I was trying to tell them something by constantly checking it out but that couldn't have been further from the truth. It is so well written for such a difficult subject matter for children. If you can find it, check it out, its a great book about coping and courage.

[Kimberly]

Read chunks of this while at work one day. It's a pretty sad book but it does a good job with the topic of child abuse. I wasn't entirely convinced that Laurie's stepdad never even suspected that Annabelle was beating her daughter...I know he was gone a lot, but really? Really??? The kid was always covered in bruises! GREAT scene when Annabelle tells Laurie "I could kill you," and Laurie realizes that he mother actually means it. Yikes.

[Marie Lejeune]

After talking with a teaching colleague about this book, I remembered how much I loved it in the 4th grade and bought myself a used copy off of Amazon. Although it didn't hold the power over me it did as a 9-year-old, I still thought it was an important and ground-breaking book; I'd read little at this age that truly delved into deep problems.

[Lynette]

More should read this in hopes of recognizing child abuse around us and taking action to stop the repetitive action.

[Esme]

I read this book several times when I was a kid. I remember finishing it and wanting to immediately start it again. It had such an impact on my creative memory, aspects of it crept into my daydreams. I think I got this through RIF or maybe bought it through one of those book buys we had every so often. I loved it.

[Ashley]

This is the kind of hard hitting, yet age appropriate, story that kids books used to do.

Child abuse is, always has been, and always will be a major issue. Books like this help kids realize that they aren't alone. That they can tell someone what is happening to them. A valuable lesson.

[Lisa Lawrence]

Truthful, honest, and frightening story of a child abused by a parent. A must-read for educators. Dear Laurie, finding a way to cope.

[Virginia, Second of Her Name, Mother of Bunnies]

I just remembered how much I loved this book as a kid.

[Dencomio]

Hard subject but great awareness

[Angelica Vazquez]

I read this when I was in elementary it made me cry it’s so sad. But it’s still good though. From being known don’t be afraid to tell someone if your going through something that’s not ok.

[American Girl]

Back in 7th grade I rated it 5 stars. I don't remember this book at all.

[Briana Carrozzo]

Very hard subject. But the book is fabulous

[it's ya boy harv]

So glad to finally read this one. It's honestly heart wrenching, this poor kid.

[Shanna]

Beautifully written and highly engaging.

[Shawna]

Don't Hurt Laurie
by Willo Davis Roberts
💎💎💎💎💎
5 Diamond Review

Don't Hurt Laurie by Willo Davis Roberts is a deeply impactful novel that explores the complexities of child abuse and the resilience of the human spirit. I first read this book in third or fourth grade, and its powerful narrative has resonated with me throughout my life. There was a period when the title escaped me, and yet the story lingered so persistently in my mind that I found myself searching for it years later, piecing together memories and fragments until I finally rediscovered it. This profound connection attests to the book's lasting impact and its role in shaping my capacity for empathy.

The novel follows Laurie, a young girl who lives in constant fear of her abusive mother. Told from Laurie’s perspective, the reader gains an intimate glimpse into her life of secrecy and pain as she tries to navigate her daily existence under the shadow of her mother’s unpredictable temper. Laurie's step-father is largely absent, believing his wife's reassurances over the visible signs of abuse. Laurie’s mother moves the family to the country after an apparent injury she gave to Laurie was questioned as more than an accident by attending physicians where she meets a new friend named George who helps Laurie feel like she is not alone, as they care for a puppy they found. When her situation comes to a head, Laurie tells her step-father’s mom what is going on and her step father reaches out to get help for her mother, but in the meantime Laurie and her step siblings move into their grandmother’s house.

Willo Davis Roberts excels in creating a vivid and authentic portrayal of Laurie as a protagonist. Laurie's inner strength and vulnerability are portrayed with such nuance that readers, regardless of age, can feel a deep connection to her struggles and triumphs. The secondary characters, particularly her step brother Tim and Laurie’s friend George, are well-developed and serve as catalysts for Laurie’s found strength.

Don't Hurt Laurie is as heartbreaking as they are essential. The novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of child abuse, making it a significant tool for awareness and discussion. The depiction of abuse is handled with sensitivity but does not compromise on honesty, reflecting the author's commitment to presenting a story that can both educate and encourage empathy in young readers. For me, this book was a formative experience, opening my eyes to the suffering of others and enhancing my understanding of the critical role empathy plays in our interactions and interventions.

Reflecting on how this book impacted my life, I can see how it helped to develop a sense of justice and compassion from a young age. Laurie’s story, while filled with pain, also offers a narrative of hope and resilience that can inspire readers to believe in the possibility of better outcomes, even in dire situations. It's a testament to the book's power that I spent years searching for it, driven by the need to reconnect with a story that had so profoundly affected me.

This is not only a compelling read but also an important one. It manages to tackle difficult subjects with grace and understanding, making it a valuable book for young readers and adults alike. This story has the power to change perspectives, inspire action, and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those like Laurie. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in stories that reflect deeper truths about humanity and the impact of kindness and intervention.

[MsAprilVincent]

It's weird revisiting childhood loves, because it's not just about the book, is it?

I first read this book when I was probably in 4th or 5th grade. I got it through one of those Scholastic book order things that we got every week at school. I must have read it almost 10 times.

I recently discovered a copy in a thrift shop and snapped it up immediately. Reading through it brought back not just the memory of the story itself, but where I was when I first read it--the bathtub, duh--and my own naive disbelief; having grown up in a happy, loving family, Laurie and her mother were like aliens to me, and I didn't understand them at all.

It's been over 20 years now, and I'm more aware that other people's families were not like mine. Don't Hurt Laurie is a fiction book, but it's still painful to read. Much more effective, I thought, than the supposedly factual Child Called It.

[Nora Chang]

I first read this book at the age we now know as "tween." It was a confusing time for me, I was coming into my own and tried to find myself through books. I identified with Laurie because coming from an immigrant Asian family it was more unusual to not getting your ass whupped when you got out of line.

Anyway, this book was very sad and it made me cry every time I read it. Actually every time I wanted a good cry I'd pick up this book and reread it again. Like I said, it was a confusing and emotional time for me. Afterwards I'd rail at the unfairness of life and how parents were just so cruel ... and probably watch Animaniacs. Why? Because cartoons are awesome and Animaniacs were one of the best and tweens are stupid.

[Bunny]

I couldn't sleep last night, and for some reason this book popped into my head. So, I googled and discovered I could read it online. Thus leading to me sleeping even less.

It's been at least 20 years since I've read it, so a lot of it was unfamiliar. In the way of books for this age range at this period of time, the emotions and inner thoughts are a bit overblown, but overall, this book is done really well. You feel for Laurie, you completely understand why she couldn't tell anyone what was going on.

Also, I now vividly remember how this book convinced me that despite their deep, deep, deep problems, my parents were not that bad.

[Sylvia]

Child abuse has been an issue for a long time. There are many books written about this, but still, the abuse goes on and on. In this book, Laurie is abused by her own mother. And when she couldn't take it anymore, Laurie and her siblings run away, and find any help they can get.

Why do mothers abuse their children? There are many reasons for that. Maybe economic reasons, or the mom hates her children because their father left her and she takes out on the kids, or because they were mistreated when they were small kids. But whatever the reasons are, there's no right in abusing children.

[Giselle]

This story is about a girl named Laurie who is abused by her mother. She tries to find help so her mother won't hurt her anymore. Laurie also meets a new friend who lives next door to each other.
A text-to-self connection is with Laurie because we are both shy and don't really talk a lot. Also we are both humble and quiet.
I would recommend this book to people who like stories about people trying to save their lives. Also about relationships between mothers and daughters. I rate this a 4 because it was good but it was also really sad.