Walking Prey

Walking Prey examines child sex trafficking in the United States through research, survivor accounts, and the author's personal experience as a trafficking victim. Smith combines academic analysis with first-hand perspectives to document how traffickers target and manipulate vulnerable youth. The book outlines risk factors that make children susceptible to trafficking and details the methods predators use to lure and control their victims. Smith includes testimony from survivors, law enforcement, and social service providers to create a comprehensive view of this crime and its impact. The narrative follows both historical patterns of child exploitation in America and current trafficking trends across different settings and demographics. Statistics, case studies, and policy recommendations support the book's examination of prevention strategies and victim services. Walking Prey serves as both a warning and a call to action, highlighting systemic failures while offering concrete solutions for protecting at-risk youth. The work challenges common misconceptions about trafficking and emphasizes the need for widespread education and improved victim support systems.

Readers describe Walking Prey as an informative but difficult-to-read account of child sex trafficking in America. Many note the book's detailed research and practical guidance for parents, teachers, and law enforcement. Readers appreciate: - Personal survivor perspective combined with academic research - Clear action steps for protecting children - Statistics and case studies that illustrate scope of the problem - Resources for victims and families Common criticisms: - Writing can be repetitive - Some sections feel academic/textbook-like - Graphic content makes it challenging to read Ratings: Goodreads: 4.23/5 (178 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (114 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Should be required reading for anyone working with youth" - Amazon reviewer "Important but emotionally draining content" - Goodreads reviewer "The prevention strategies are invaluable" - Goodreads reviewer

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The Slave Across the Street by Theresa Flores A trafficking survivor reveals her experience as a suburban teenager forced into sexual slavery while living with her middle-class family.

Renting Lacy by Linda Smith The stories of child trafficking victims in America unfold through composite characters based on real cases and interviews.

Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard A resource for families and educators presents the realities of child exploitation through stories that illustrate grooming tactics and vulnerabilities.

🔎 Author Holly Austin Smith was herself a victim of child sex trafficking at age 14, which inspired her to become an advocate and share her story to help others. 📚 The book challenges common misconceptions about child trafficking, revealing that most victims in the U.S. are American citizens, not foreign nationals. 👥 Smith consulted over 60 survivors and experts while writing the book, incorporating their perspectives and experiences to create a comprehensive view of child trafficking. ⚖️ The book played a role in changing legislation, as Smith has testified before Congress and worked with lawmakers to improve anti-trafficking policies. 🎓 Walking Prey has become required reading in several university courses focused on criminal justice and social work, helping to educate future professionals about trafficking prevention.