This is an old post, but I think the subject is important enough to justify reposting.
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Until recently, I’d never given human trafficking much thought. Most of my knowledge came from TV shows or movies like Taken. I didn’t really see it as a U.S. problem.
Then I read Girls Like Us. I was captivated. I rarely read non-fiction, (short attention span) but I couldn’t put Girls Like Us down. The author, Rachel Lloyd, is the founder of the non-profit GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services.) Their purpose is to help girls who have been victimized by commercial sexual exploitation. Meaning prostitution. Teen prostitution.
Teenage girls. I don’t know about you, but that’s not the first thing I think when I hear “prostitution.” Yet, in the United States, thirteen is the average age of entry into prostitution. Thirteen! Rachel Lloyd introduces us to some of them and relives her own journey from victim to activist in Girls Like Us. Her insights into the lives and thoughts of both the girls she helps and those who abuse them are eye-opening. The girls I met in Girls Like Us grabbed my attention, stole my heart, and moved me deeply with their stories. Don’t lose the opportunity to meet them yourself. You won’t regret it. Heart-breaking, inspiring, and beautiful, these girls are worth knowing.
You can read an excerpt here.
For more information about how you can help, visit the Polaris Project or “like” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign on Facebook.
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
ADDLibrarian 
Thanks for the recommendation. This is an issue I care a lot about but haven’t read this one.
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It’s a good one, her story and the work the she’s doing is pretty incredible. I wanted to send her money! That’s not an urge I typically have lol.
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