Before she began writing books for teens, Liane Shaw was an elementary teacher. She brings her gifts for storytelling and humor to this account of her journey into the lives of emotionally challenged students. With little in the way of experience or resources, she found herself thrust into the most challenging kind of teaching imaginable. From the moment Shaw meets her first two boys, as they sit teetering precariously on top of a bookshelf while swearing at the principal, she is both fascinated and terrified. Readers will root for her to succeed, as invested in the success of these kids as she is. Shaw’s wish in sharing her story is clear – that as adults we can help children with mental health issues heal and succeed, and that stories like hers can be moved to the history shelf.

Liane Shaw's profile page

Anyone who has ever worked with children with behavioural challenges in a self-contained or regular classroom will appreciate Liane Shaw’s frank and raw portrayal of her experiences as a young teacher working with special needs students… Shaw clearly understands that the influence of a caring adult is the primary means through which her students learn both social skills and, possibly, even a little bit of math and reading.

Professionally Speaking