While we perhaps think about kids and bullying frequently today, we seldom think about how bullying affects special needs kids specifically.
Author Jody Sharpe is a retired special needs educator and is the author of the recently released novel 'Town Of Angels', a book that centers on the issue of bullying in a town in which angels are in residence. Thus she is uniquely qualified to discuss both subjects. She recently issued a statement on her website, which reads in part:
"When I first started teaching Special Education years ago, I learned a valuable lesson about bullying. For bullying can come from anyone, child or adult. I taught students that were labeled 'Mentally Retarded' but they weren’t 'retarded' at all. These eleven to thirteen year old students were socio-economically deprived. The materials were scarce and I had to use my creativity and own materials to teach them reading.
"The first week I taught reading I would call on them to read. I was shocked when one boy named Michael got up and stuttered with the words. He didn’t normally stutter when he spoke. Some of the kids laughed. I realized then he had been bullied by students or perhaps even a teacher and calling on him to read made him stutter and anxious.
"For the rest of my career I always asked first, 'Who would like to read?' Michael taught me a very valuable lesson. I learned to respect and honor the students, being sensitive to their needs and character."
In another entry she wrote, "Our children must learn to find courage so they are able to handle bullying. Teaching children to find courage is one of the most important lessons a parent and educator can do. Remember a time when you were bullied? I do. And yet those times were lessons weren’t they? I’ve heard it said that the bully is a teacher of sorts. Bullies are really teaching us how not to be like them. Finding a place in our hearts where courage lies fills us with triumph. Just as the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz found the courage he so desperately sought, adults and children alike can find their own way to courage. For courage was always there inside the Lion’s heart."
The full text of both statements is available at Sharpe's website at http://www.jodysharpe.com.
Jody Sharpe is an award winning author of several books about angels. She recently announced that her latest book, 'Town Of Angels', is now available in both print and e-book format, and is also available in print from online and traditional booksellers. In addition, the book is now featured in a new video available at her site.
In 'Town Of Angels' it is angel vs. bully in the town of Mystic Bay, California, where a well kept secret lies. Angels live as humans there. After angels appeared to three children all was blissful in the town full of psychics, and ordinary folk. But as a bully, Klaus Waxman, comes to town, Angel Ken Leighton, a storeowner, must carefully guide his flock of humans not to give to in to the bully’s efforts. As Klaus opens a store mocking the resident angels sightings, Angel Ken guides psychic Justine Greer and her family to thwart his efforts. And with the help of the indomitable oldest psychic in town, Madam Norma, the bully meets his match with soft voices and intuitive minds…
Reviewers have given the new book the highest ratings. One reviewer stated that Town Of Angels ". . .is a superbly written feel good book. Jody Sharpe has written one of the best books I have ever read." Another said, "If you want to feel refreshed about the possibilities of hope and kindness around us, this is for you." Another stated, "I love angels and truly believe that they exist. I found that this book to be an excellent book and is the kind of book that you do not want to put down."
Sharpe presents stories and interviews about angels in her 'Tuesdays With The Angels' blog series. In addition she is now accepting submissions of angel stories for possible inclusion on her 'Tuesdays With The Angels' blog. She hopes to create a collection of angel stories that involve sightings of angels, interaction with angels, miraculous angel encounters and other types of accounts or stories. All submissions will be considered, but inclusion is not guaranteed. Stories may be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd.
Jody Sharpe knows angels exist. Her first book, ‘The Angel's Daughter’, was written in memory of her daughter Kate. Her second book, 'To Catch An Angel', was written in memory of her husband Steve.
Over a decade ago, when her daughter died tragically Sharpe faced down the most difficult challenge of her life. She was determined not to just merely survive, but to live; to honor the life of her beloved daughter, her twins, her husband and the rest of the rich life she had created before the tragedy. Blessed with an inherently positive outlook these trying times were strengthened by influences from the late Norman Vincent Peale to the children's book character, Wilbur the pig. For Sharpe, ministers of spirit and guidance took the form of angels. Sharpe's openness to change led her to write her first novel, 'The Angel's Daughter'. The story that takes place in the fictitious town of Mystic Bay, California and encompasses all Sharpe's attitudes about goodness, healing and moving on.
Jody is also the author of 'To Catch An Angel', written in memory of her late husband Steve. In 'To Catch An Angel', miracles happen in Mystic Bay, California, the town with the psychic and angel vibe. Angels are calling. Psychic Maggie Malone returns home to find she's swept up in the miracle of it all. She can't imagine why her mother left or who her father might be. But these questions pale in comparison to the wonder of the angels. Maggie meets writer, Noah Greenstreet. They realize they've met before, but where? Maggie and Noah embark on a journey to find our world is all awash with angels.
Jody was chosen as a winner in the annual '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. She was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.
Jody Sharpe is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at sharpejody76@gmail.com. Angel stories can be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd. All of her books are available at online book retailers. New quotes will be added every Tuesday to the 'Tuesdays With The Angels' section of her blog, which can be found at her website at http://www.JodySharpe.com.
Profile:
Jody Sharpe had a rewarding career as a Special Education teacher. Writing about angels became healing after losing her daughter and then her husband. The valuable lessons she learned about moving forward and loving life in the now have set her on a mission to tell the stories with love, humor and spiritual awakening. The fictitious town of Mystic Bay has given her an avenue to put characters and themes together hopefully enlightening the reader towards contemplation of the precious life and memories we are given.
Contact:
Jody Sharpe
sharpejody76@gmail.com
http://www.jodysharpe.com
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