We are in the midst of an epidemic of childhood trauma with far-reaching effects that the public, media and lawmakers would prefer not to see. With research showing child maltreatment is substantiated for one in eight children in the US, it's clear Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a broader category of experiences than just maltreatment, are at an epidemic scale in our society. Slowly and silently, these emotionally and physically abusive experiences that are often hidden from protective services destroy essential relationships, fill our jails, diminish our workforce, inhibit learning in our schools, overtax our emergency rooms, and encourage the sort of hopelessness that drives people to drugs and other self-destructive behaviors. Everyone is harmed, directly or indirectly, as the trauma is passed from generation to generation. The authors' main thesis, quite simply, is that protecting all our children is entirely possible, but only when we know the scope of the challenges families face. The book provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of the scope of the problem, various component parts, and how to strengthen systems designed to protect our children. The book suggests a series of shockingly modest yet strategic reforms, changes that can ensure that the future systems of protection in every community are better at identifying their own shortcomings and fixing them. The proven strategies proposed have the power to heal families, illustrating how we can all take courageous and compassionate steps toward designing child-friendly, trauma-free communities. - "Anna, Age Eight is a call for much-needed action. Childhood trauma and maltreatment are predictable in many ways. We know why it occurs and we must be strategic if we are to significantly reduce it. The book asks that we educate ourselves about this hidden epidemic of trauma and mobilize our cities and towns around evidence-based solutions. Anna, Age Eight is a blueprint for creating family-friendly and trauma-free communities across the nation. Kudos to authors Courtney and Cappello." - Pepper Schwartz, PhD, Author and Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington "While being raised in an era of technological progress, many of our youngest generation still face complex personal traumas. Abuse knows no socio-economic or geographic boundaries, but it can be overcome and its damage repaired. This remarkable book is the brainchild of authors Courtney and Cappello, whose empathy, reason and inspired thinking have resulted in a brilliant plan to heal the scars of a generation. Should be required reading for every teacher, every parent, and every public leader from health official to mayor-because this epidemic of trauma is real and must be taken seriously." -Yarrott Benz, teacher and author of The Bone Bridge: A Brother's Story, IPPY gold medal winner