Books

“Nobody Don’t Love Nobody: Lessons on Love from the School With No Name”

By Stacey Bess

Nobody Don't Love Nobody

The Lessons learned in Nobody Don’t Love Nobody extend far beyond homelessness. They are lessons on how to love, in giving and receiving, in the power love has to heal and to help. They are also lessons in how keeping silent or acting unkindly can affect a human being and how the damage done to one person can sometimes be passed on to the next generations. The stories that Mrs. Bess shares are stories of children who have loved her, taught her new depths of pain and compassion, and shown her how vital it is for each of us to take care of our own–to love those around us in our families and communities enough to make a small difference in their lives.

Stacey Bess has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah. She began to record the stories of some of her students at The School With No Name not because she intended to publish a book, but because the stories are so profound. Her outstanding service has been recognized with a number of honors, including the national Jefferson Award, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Educators Award.

“Planting More Than Pansies: A Fable about Love”

Written by Stacey Bess
Illustrated by Melissa Ricks

Planting More Than Pansies

Planting More Than Pansies is a resonant story of love, repentance, and rebirth. Based on true experiences, this moving account reminds us that when parents plant well, their children can weather the severe storms of life and return to a safe harbor even if they stray for a season.

Planting More Than Pansies offers hope that children will return to their teachings, and reminds them of the magic of faith as it leads them there.

Book Stacey

"You did a FANTASTIC job this morning. I have read your book, I have seen the movie, and I just love your story. It is so powerful. In reality though, when you choose a speaker, you never really know if he/she will be as good as you hope. You just have to go with your gut and trust that someone with such a wonderful uplifting story will be able to tell it in a way that captivates a crowd. And that you did! I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. We strive to make a difference for the women and girls in our community—to give hope where there is none, to provide leadership and guidance to those in need, and to change lives. You inspired folks to give back, to join us, to make that difference you spoke of so well. We raised more money this morning than ever before. Thank you for helping us do that; but, more importantly, thank you for sharing yourself with kids and families who have never felt such love and care. Always remember, YOU MATTER." -Orange County United Way

"Stacey, a huge thank you for sharing your beautiful and inspiring story with us at TCEA 2012! I think it was the perfect way to close our conversation—and it was very well received. Your philosophy of loving all children and giving them back their power is such a strong, important, yet simple message that unfortunately can get lost in the shuffle of modern-day life. I am happy to know you are sharing your approach with others and encouraging teachers to follow your philosophy. We need more like you!" -Texas Computer Education Association

"During Stacey’s visit to Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in April to celebrate the 2016 Student Affiliate Dinner for Month of the Young Child, she shared the gifts of teaching with our education students including compassion, trust, mentorship and leadership, importance of service, and conquering diversity. Students attending from Seton Hill University; St. Vincent College; University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg; Carlow University; and Westmoreland County Community College; Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) members and community members were inspired by her message and her dedication to the profession of teaching. Most of all, Stacey shared how important it is to love our children from the top to the bottom. We are not just teachers to our students; we are so much more!" -Dr. Kathleen I. Harris, Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, Seton Hill University

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