Synopses & Reviews
Bad things happen to all of us, things that test us and impact us and change us, but it is not those moments that define us. It is how we choose to react to them that does.” Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis On December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis saved the lives of fifteen six- and-seven-year-old students by piling them into a single-occupancy bathroom in her first-grade classroom. But Choosing Hope is not about what happened at Sandy Hook. Its a testament to the choice we can all make to choose hope in order to conquer tragedy, even in our darkest hours.
Choosing Hopes five sectionsPurpose, Perspective, Choosing Your path, Choosing to Overcome, and finally Choosing Hopeprovide a clear and organized road map that will inspire and teach readers to overcome their own personal tragedies, whatever they may be. Like Kaitlin, who was able to find purpose and optimism in the most difficult of circumstances by improving the lives of those around her, readers will see how they can use the tenets of gratitude, endurance, purpose, and the power of choice to live positively and with hope.
Review
“Every day teachers go beyond the call of duty, touching children's lives…Kaitlin is proof of that in so many ways."
—Otha Thornton, president of National PTA
Synopsis
" S]tirring...a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book."
--Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the New York Times bestseller Thrive
Kaitlin Roig-Debellis is the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who saved her entire class of fifteen six- and-seven-year-olds from the tragic events that took place on December 14, 2012, by piling them into a single-occupancy bathroom within her classroom, mere feet from the brutal and indiscriminate massacre taking place outside the door. Since then, despite the unimaginably painful experiences she endured, she has chosen to share her experience with others, in the hope that they too can find light in dark moments.
Choosing Hope is a lot of things. A written witness to a tragedy that will never be forgotten. A gripping firsthand testament to the power of good over the power of destruction. An inspirational memoir by a brave young woman whose story is one of courage, heroism, faith, and resilience. And a celebration of all the people who make the choice to pass along their hope and positivity to young ones parents, mentors, and especially teachers. There is no moving on, but there is always moving forward. And how we move forward is a choice.
" M]oving" -Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author ofWe Are WaterandShe s Come Undone
" B]rave" -Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author ofTwelve Steps to a Compassionate LifeandThe History of God
Although now I have witnessed the worst of mankind, instead of feeling bitter or regretful I have chosen to embrace gratitude. I believe in the power of kindness, the influence of educators and mentors, faith and God, and most of all I believe in humanity.Bad things happen to all of us, things that test us and impact us and change us, but it is not those moments that define us. It is how we choose to react to them that does. Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis"
About the Author
Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis is the founder of the nonprofit Classes 4 Classes, Inc and an inspirational speaker for teachers and organizations across the country. Previously, she was a first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Roig-DeBellis contributes to a biweekly educational blog for The Huffington Post and has been honored as a Glamour magazine Woman of the Year and chosen as a LOréal Paris Women of Worth.” In 2013, she received two honorary doctorate degrees and the Dedicated Teacher Award from The Chicago International Conference on Education.