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

"We've had overwhelming, positive comments about Stacey's message to our teachers. ‘She said everything I needed to hear before school started,’ was one comment I've heard over and over. Another consistent theme our teachers have been talking about is ‘love your kids, the academics will come...’ While I listened to her speak last week in our district, I was excited to feel the same enthusiasm and passion for my profession as I had the initial time I listened to her speak at the National Title I Conference in SLC. She delivers a powerful message! Thank you again!!!" -Federal Programs, Preschool Center – Principal

"I would personally like to thank you for coming to speak at my school last night. I was truly inspired by your story after recently viewing your movie Beyond the Blackboard and getting to hear you firsthand was a testament that no matter the circumstances one starts out with, there is always a bright light to be illuminated if one is dedicated and passionate enough to make the best out of their situation. I will definitely use your experience as motivation when I have a classroom of my own to let my students know that I have compassion and care for each and every one of them, no matter what background they may come from." -Student, St. John’s University

"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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