Using Culturally Affirming, Thematically Appropriate Bibliotherapy to Cope with Trauma

Hurricane Katrina created a variety of issues that tested the resilience of families and children who were forced to relocate. This article describes the use of culturally affirming, thematically appropriate bibliotherapy as part of a long-term program to assist a group of elementary school aged African-American children cope with feelings of anxiety, displacement, and loss. This intervention provided a medium through which the participants could explore issues of isolation and the loss of their homes, family structures and a sense of security, while also providing academic and social supports.