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How to Change Attitudes: Simply Read the Writing on the Wall
Unique New Book Presents Students’ Candid Answers to Simple, Powerful Statements

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In young people can be found the energy, passion, love and willingness to drive humankind toward even greater heights. Often, however, this motivation is overlooked, having been assumed or – worse – completely ignored. The new children’s book edited and narrated by Stephanie Heuer and illustrated by Simon Goodway, I Feel Like Nobody When…I Feel Like Somebody When (now available through AuthorHouse), offers a profound, touching and enlightening glimpse into what is truly important in the lives of children today.

“We must recognize and nurture human dignity in our children; protect it, and preserve it. It must not be lost,” writes Heuer.

Her book offers a simple yet affecting template for change toward a more understanding and accepting world. Heuer, an educator in computer technology, expanded the two statements in the book’s title into a voluntary writing assignment for students in second through fifth grades. She was broadsided by the raw insight in the nearly 300 responses and overwhelmed by their implications and veiled messages. The results had a deep and lasting impact on her feelings about education and prompted positive changes in her own classroom dynamics that benefited all students.

Included in I Feel Like Nobody When…I Feel Like Somebody When are 50 of the anonymous answers to Heuer’s statements. Each page is wonderfully illustrated, bringing to life the students’ heartfelt responses.

“Ms. Heuer and her students have shown us what we must do to make our families and our schools places where human dignity is secure,” writes Robert Fuller, author of Somebodies and Nobodies, Overcoming the Abuse of Rank.

“…this book should be given to all children, parents and educators,” adds Samir Basta, former director of UNICEF’s European office. “It is an excellent tool for understanding the feelings children experience.”

Heuer is a computer literacy educator, mother and advocate for human dignity around the globe. She is a core team member on the Human DHS organization, which is dedicated to eliminating humiliating practices around the world. She has lived in Japan, Venezuela and Norway. I Feel Like Nobody When…I Feel Like Somebody When is her first book, and Heuer is now dedicated to taking its exciting and uplifting message around the world.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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I feel like nobody when…
I feel like somebody when…

This book can be read for pure enjoyment or also for changing and recognizing behaviors we would like to preserve, or in some cases, modify. Here’s a simple process that can be followed which allows for interaction, input, dialog, and hopefully some great stories.

READ: Do a complete read through of the book the first time, from start to finish.

RELATE: Everyone who reads this book, has a story to tell of their own, either feeling like a nobody or a somebody. Find the ones in the book you can tell your own personal story about. Relate to the emotions you felt at the time.

RECOGNIZE: Try to recognize the LIFESKILLS™ that are being used, or ignored in the different paired scenarios. Here is a list of some of the core foundation ones for reference. Feel free to add your own.

Trustworthiness Truthfulness Active Listening
No Put-Downs Personal Best Caring
Common Sense Cooperation Courage
Curiosity Effort Flexibility
Friendship Initiative Integrity
Organization Patience Pride
Problem Solving Respect Resourcefulness
Responsibility Sense of Humor Loyalty

REINFORCE: After discussing a certain Nobody/Somebody, or a few, reinforce the LIFESKILLS at play, or what ones could be useful in order to prevent, overt, or counter act a situation. Some situations, obviously, we can’t control, however, we need to find our ‘voice’ and begin to say it is not okay to make us feel certain ways. It is equally important to reinforce those skills that are giving us and the ones around us, the most happiness and sense of self.

This book is meant to be used as an interactive communication tool which facilitates the finding and development of that voice.