Since children who have been abused much of their lives may be unaware that what is happening is unusual, it may be necessary for teachers to take the initiative in educating young children to recognize that abuse is not normal and to talk with someone if and when they realize they are a victim. This education can take place through the use of carefully selected books or bibliotherapy. Through literature, the child can first identify with the character or situation and by doing so can experience the situation vicariously, letting the child experience a catharsis or emotional release. The result of the identification and catharsis is an insight into the problem. Ideally, such an insight transfers to the child's own special set of circumstances. A teacher can help abused children choose appropriate books for their particular problems. Books can thus be one avenue to help children who are suffering from physical, psychological, and or sexual abuse realize that they are not alone, that someone else has experienced and understands their problem. Bibliotherapy may also alert a child to the fact that he or she is being abused and this does not have to be tolerated. (A four-page bibliography of narrative literature for children and adolescents on child abuse is appended.) (HOD)