Reena's Bollywood Dream: A Story about Sexual Abuse

by Jewel Kats

Overview

Reena wants to be a star...
...A Bollywood star. Unfortunately, her family won't stand for it. It doesn't help that Reena is only eight-years-old. However, a beacon of hope arrives in the form of Uncle Jessi. He's just emigrated from India to America, and is a welcome addition to her family household. Uncle Jessi and Reena share a special bond. Not only are they old pen pals, but he recognizes her desperation to become a Bollywood actress.

One day, Uncle Jessi plans a secret surprise. He invites her to take part in a pretend acting game. Reena jumps at the chance. At first, she enjoys swinging her hips to Bollywood beats. She smiles brightly at his camera. However, halfway through her performance matters take an unexpected turn. The end results surprise both Reena and Uncle Jessi.
Important lessons come through an action-driven story and beautiful illustrations:

Children will learn that sexual abuse is NEVER their fault.

Parents and children will be given a launching pad to discuss the warning signs of "grooming."

Children will come away knowing they have the power to say: "NO."

Children will discover that sexual abuse can occur in any cultural group.

Children can be assured that they will be believed when reporting inappropriate behavior.

Therapists and parents can exhibit that sexual abuse isn't an off-limits topic.

Child abuse survivors will come away knowing they are not alone.

Therapists' Acclaim for Reena's Bollywood Dream
"Reena's Bollywood Dream is exceptionally well-written. It works as an educational piece to foster awareness to children and their families regarding the realities of sexual abuse within the South Asian community. This informative book can help alter a child's life for the better."
--Sadia Khaliq, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., Community Treatment Coordinator, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

"With a captivating story and beautiful illustration, and with a message that is cross-cultural and educational, Reena's Bollywood Dream can help children understand the sad reality that there are those who can hurt them but there is also means of staying safe--with others' help. I recommend this book highly to all families; it can be instrumental to starting a conversation about a difficult topic."
--Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, Founder and CEO, Stop the Silence

For more info see www.JewelKats.com

Juvenile Fiction : Social Issues - Sexual Abuse
Family & Relationships : Abuse - Child Abuse
Social Science : Ethnic Studies - Asian American Studies

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615990146
Publisher:	Loving Healing Press
Publication date:	02/28/2010
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Jewel Kats is an award-winning writer.For six years, she penned a teen advice column for Young People's Press. "Confi dentially Yours" appeared in dozens of newspapers via the Scripps Howard News Service and TorStar Syndication Services. Her work on this column led her to win a $5,000 writing scholarship by women's publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. She later earned a $15,000 scholarship from Global Television Network. Jewel's upcoming books include: Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair and What Do You Use to Help Your Body? She hails from an Indo-Canadian background, and calls Toronto home. Jewel's website: www.JewelKats.com Contact info: [e-mail]

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

"Look who's here, Reena!" Nani shouted.

I almost knocked over my grandma and parents as I raced to the front doors. I wiggled past the crowd. And then I saw my uncle.

I tackled him into a bear hug. "You look just like your photographs, Uncle Jessi!" "Reena!" Daddy remarked gruffly. "You're not showing respect to your elders."

Uncle Jessi held me close. "It's okay, there's no need to scold her," he said. "Reena and I are old "pen pals."

Uncle Jessi ruffled my curls. "I've brought a treat for you." He reached into his fall jacket and pulled out a DVD.

I threw my arms into the air. "It's a Bollywood movie!"

I watched my uncle's cab driver huff and puff as he dragged in four large suitcases.

"I packed thirty years worth of memories from India," Uncle Jessi told me.

I couldn't imagine what it'd be like to tuck away eight years of my life into a matching luggage set.

Once everything was put aside, the grownups enjoyed hot masala tea. Meanwhile, I danced away to Indian movie songs.

Nani looked at Uncle Jessi. "Welcome to this great country, son. I hope you enjoy your new home."

"You really are lucky," I said with a twirl. "Now you have the chance to watch an American girl like me dance to Bollywood music."

I copied every groovy move of the Indian actress on our TV screen.

"How do I look?" I asked, while my hips shook.

"You look ridiculous, Reena," Mommy snapped.

I wiped my now-sticky brow. "But Mommy, you know I want to be a Bollywood star when I grow up."

"We've talked about this before," Mommy said. "Nice Indian girls — and that's who you are — don't grow up to become actresses."

Daddy cleared his throat. "You're from a family of doctors, Reena," he said. "You should be following in the footsteps of your parents, not the dance steps of some silly actress."

I went to my bedroom and doodled in my notebook for a while. I only got up after I had a sniff of tandoori spices coming from the kitchen. I followed my nose.

"Hey, Reena!" Uncle Jessi called from his bedroom. "Come here."

I hopped over the unzipped suitcase that blocked his door. "Yeah?" He placed a heavy envelope in my hand.

I peeked inside. I couldn't believe it. "My letters!" I cried. "You kept everything I wrote to you?"

"Of course," he answered. "Your written thoughts are way too special to throw away."

My eyes twinkled.

A few days later, I found a note stuck to my bathroom mirror. I forgot all about brushing my teeth.

"I've planned a surprise for you," the note read. "Meet me in my bedroom at four o'clock sharp.

This is our little secret. Nobody will be home then. Signed, your pen pal."

I tucked the letter into my PJ pocket and stared at my ticking watch. "Geez, it's only time for breakfast!" I exclaimed with a sigh.

At long last, four o'clock rolled around.

"You're right on time!" Uncle Jessi laughed. "Did everyone leave for the shopping trip?"

"Yeah, the whole family's gone," I said, breathless. "Now don't keep me waiting any longer!

What's the surprise?"

"Look under my bed."

I dropped down on all fours. I yanked out a gift wrapped box.

"What's inside?" I gave the present a good shake. I heard a soft jingling sound.

"Go ahead and open it."

I tore at the red tissue wrap in a snap. I found glass bangles, silver anklets with the tiniest of bells, and an itty-bitty violet blouse with a matching lengha skirt.

"This outfit is fancy enough for an Indian actress!" I gushed.

My uncle smiled. "You got it."

"Why don't you try everything on?" Uncle Jessi urged me.

I looked around his overstuffed room. "But where will I change?" "You can change right where you are." He turned his back. "Meanwhile I'll get the next surprise ready."

As I slipped into my lengha's puffy skirt, I saw Uncle Jessi smile at me through the mirror of his dresser. This time I turned around.

"I'm all dressed," I announced.

Uncle Jessi walked over, and stood right in front of me. He was breathing awfully hard. "Let me take a good look at you."

Suddenly I felt like there wasn't enough fabric covering my tummy, arms, or back. I'd never worn a blouse cut like this before.

"My, my," he whistled. "You're more gorgeous than any movie star I know."

"Really?" I giggled. "Nobody's ever said that to me before."

"I mean it," Uncle Jessi said. "Honest."

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Reena's Bollywood Dream"
by .
Copyright © 2011 Jewel Kats.
Excerpted by permission of Loving Healing Press, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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