To Believe a Kid: Understanding the Jerry Sandusky Case and Child Sexual Abuse

Interest in the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal swept the nation when the highly-respected Penn State University football coach and founder of a children's charity was charged with 51 criminal counts involving 10 prepubescent boys. To Believe a Kid is not merely an exposé of the horrific victimizations told with compelling conviction by the abused but, more importantly, an excellent resource about pedophilia, why sexually abused children rarely disclose, and the long-term effects upon kids. Designed for every citizen raising or working with children, the book details how sports organizations, parents, and educators can better protect kids. It reveals legislative and social responses to this landmark case and describes how PSU stepped forward to lead in the detection, education, and prevention of CSA. Some proceeds will benefit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).

Sylvia L. Kurtz earned a B.A. in English (Juniata College), an M.A. in American Studies (Penn State), and an M.S. in Criminal Justice with specialization in law. She holds a graduate certificate in Forensic Criminology (UMass Lowell). Kurtz has taught high school gifted education and advanced classes in composition and literature, journalism, and American Studies for more than two decades. She has instructed sociology and philosophy through Penn Highlands Community College. The author participates in the Pennsylvania Prison Society and advises for Pennsylvania Mock Trial. She enjoys traveling, photography, and reading. Kurtz lives with her husband in central Pennsylvania and is active in the lives of their two daughters and five grandchildren.