Using this resource

This is a starting point rather than an exhaustive reading list. Different books will suit different people and circumstances. Some cover difficult or emotionally demanding subjects, so readers may wish to choose what feels useful and manageable for them.

Inclusion does not mean that Restitute endorses every view expressed by an author or external website. Books and websites do not replace individual professional, legal, clinical or safeguarding advice.

Download the booklist as a Word document

The effects of trauma

• What Happened to You? — Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry. An accessible conversation about trauma and adverse experiences, and the shift from asking “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
• The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk. Explores the physical, emotional and cognitive effects of trauma and a range of approaches to recovery.
• The Myth of Normal — Gabor Maté. Explores links between trauma, illness and modern life.
• Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving — Pete Walker. A guide to recovery from childhood trauma which may also be relevant to people affected by trauma in adult life.

Children’s sexual behaviour

• Is This Normal? — Holly Brennan and Julie Graham. Uses everyday situations and practical tools to help adults talk with children about sexuality and relationships, including what to do when behaviour does not appear appropriate for a child’s age.
• Understanding Your Child’s Sexual Behaviour — Toni Cavanagh Johnson. Explains behaviour that may be expected at different ages and behaviour that may be problematic.

Sexual abuse

• What Do I Do Now? A Survival Guide for Mothers of Sexually Abused Children — Mel Langston and Leona Pluma.

The Family Court

• The Family Court Without a Lawyer — Lucy Reed.

Neurodiversity

• Spectrum Women — edited by Barb Cook and Dr Michelle Garnett, with contributions including Lisa Morgan. Individual accounts of life as a neurodivergent woman.

Books for children and the adults supporting them

• The Huge Bag of Worries — Virginia Ironside. Helps children and adults talk about worries and how to manage them.
• No Matter What — Debi Gliori. A rhyming story about continuing to love someone even when things feel difficult.
• The Worry Tiger — Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy. Helps children explore stress and worry.
• My Body Sends a Signal — Natalia Maguire. Helps children learn about emotions and gives adults ideas for supporting them.
• Something Terrible Happened — Margaret M. Holmes. Uses animal characters to help children who have witnessed frightening or violent events.
• Once I Was Very Scared — Chandra Ghosh Ippen. Helps children understand that they are not alone after something frightening or traumatic.
• Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You — Nancy Tillman. Helps children understand that they are loved wherever they are.

Other useful subjects

• Why Love Matters — Sue Gerhardt. Explores how affection shapes a baby’s developing brain and nervous system.
• Children of Alcoholics — David Stafford.
• Mental Health First Aid — Emma Hammett.
• How to Kill a Narcissist — J. H. Simon. Explores beliefs and patterns which may develop in people affected by narcissistic behaviour.
• You’re Not the Problem — Helen Villiers and Katie McKenna. Explores the impact of narcissism and emotional abuse and approaches to healing.
• Active Listening — Emma Leigh Webber. Practical skills for helping people feel heard.
• The Explosive Child — Ross W. Greene. A research-based guide to understanding and parenting children who experience frequent, severe difficulties with frustration and behaviour.

Useful websites

• Get Court Ready. Information and support relating to Family Court proceedings.
• Citizens Advice. Free information and advice across benefits, debt, housing, work, family and other issues.
• Benefits and Work. Detailed information and guides about disability and sickness benefits and appeals. Some resources require paid membership.

External websites are maintained by their own organisations and may change. Check current information and any charges before relying on a service.