Beyond the Blackboard: Lessons on Love from the School With No Name

by Stacey Bess

The book that may influence the direction of thought, action, and education necessary to meet the needs of today's complex society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational, Book Club, Education, Biography Memoir, Family

226 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some quick insights from the book:

1- At Christmas, there is always a toy drive for the homeless/needy. The calls goes out for new, unwrapped toys. I've always wondered why they were so picky: isn't used better than nothing? The book explains that second hand toys are another way for homeless kids to feel like second class citizens. Also, don't give barbie outfits to a kid who may not have the barbie.

2- Most parents want their children to have a better life than they had. Not everyone starts at the same point, and it may take another family three or four generations to get to my starting point. People need compassion and service, not judgment and condemnation.

3- Sometimes we do things because we want to motivate change: we want people to like or become interested in our religion, or we want people to treat us better, or to choose a better life than they have now, or whatever, so we give and give and give, hoping to see a miracle.
There is nothing wrong with those motivations, per se, but we need to remember that the giving has to be enough. People aren't always going to react the way that we hope that they will.

[Karebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book just tore at my heartstrings. i knew it would have an impact, simply because I'm a teacher, but it went beyond that for me.

I think, sometimes, that we get so protective of ourselves and our family because we focus on the bad in the world, or even the bad in people. We want to shelter our kids so bad that we forget to teach them what everybody needs --love. We for get that we need to love everyone --pure, unconditional, straightforward, love.

I know for me that i have a lot of stereo type problems. I've let that get in the way of not only giving, but at times, loving.

This book was an eyeopener about homelessness. Stacey Bess, the author, really, truly loves these kids, and even more, their parents. It doesn't matter what the situation was or is, she truly, deeply loves them. What a lesson I had to learn from this book!

However, emotionally, I could only handle one chapter a day. This is probably because it tore at my heartstrings and made me soul search.

So, here are my questions: Can I do more? Can I love more? Where do I start?

The answer to the first two is always yes. I start with my circle of influence (family, friends, neighbors) and I branch out from there.

[Linda Toone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was powerful to me, as a teacher of children living in poverty. It's a true story of love and acceptance and resilience. Stacey Bess taught in a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City in the 80's, and this is her touching story, beautifully told. It's since been made into a Hallmark Movie, "Beyond the Blackboard", which is also great and can be bought at Hallmark Stores.

[Kayla Steiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book written by a teacher who worked in what was called "The School With No Name" where she taught homeless children. The stories of the various homeless children she taught were very interesting, sad, and inspiring. She talks a lot about the plight of homeless children and the difficulties they face by the uncertainties of their existence. Stacey Bess speaks very compassionately about the homeless population but also very realistically. Her stories about her experiences will open your eyes to what life is like for these children and even many of the adults she has encountered through the years. And if you aren't up for reading the book I highly recommend watching the movie "Beyond the Blackboard" which was inspired by the life and experiences of Stacey Bess. A very good movie and many of the children and stories in the movie were based on the real kids she has taught.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for years, but it wasn’t until I watched the movie Beyond the Blackboard, based on this book, that I finally decided to read it. If I had known it took place in Salt Lake City, I would have gotten to it sooner. Stacey Bess teaches at the homeless shelter school, the “School With No Name,” and she encounters a world completely opposite from the safe, nurturing, caring atmosphere she has provided for her own children. Her stories are completely heart-wrenching, but sometimes heart-warming, too.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a total sucker for author book signings and when I ran into Stacey Bess at Costco a month or so after we had watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie "Beyond the Blackboard" I simply had to buy the book. Then I proceeded to walk out and leave the book at the check stand. In the time it took me to get to the car and realize I had left the book behind, it had disappeared and I had to return to the author and get another autographed copy. But I was still reading the book on Lewis and Clark and knew it would be a while before I could read this one, so it got placed in my box (yes, box) of books to read.

Wednesday, when we were leaving for Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a business meeting Brent had to attend, I went to grab a book to read on the plane. There was no way I was going to lug around the 1,000 plus page giant I'm currently in the middle of. This is the book that jumped into my hand. Perfect, I thought - a quick read. What I wasn't counting on was the emotional roller coaster the book would take me on. The introspection and empathy and new found respect I have gained for an element of society I have to admit I personally have misjudged, all wormed their way into my heart as I made my way through the stories in the book. It's very well written and would serve as an excellent book for a book club group to discuss. Well worth anyone's time to sit down with. You will not be disappointed. There are times when the stories are tough and the reading tugs a little too strongly at the heart, but every minute spent reading this was one minute more in which I learned and my heart grew. Suddenly, as I walked past the 'artists' playing instruments and singing along the wharf in Halifax, I did not ignore them. I stopped and we visited and I told them how much their music made my visit so much more pleasant. I left money where before I would have just walked on and ignored them, chalking them up to one more beggar to be tough about. I doubt I will ever be able to view a homeless, or down on the luck kind of person with the same heart (or lack thereof) that I did before. And for that, I am grateful.

Thanks Stacey Bess for being bold enough to set an example of how Christ would have us treat each other!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know that these stories take people out of their comfort zone.." This line from the closing of the book, summed it up for me. This book was very well done and interesting, but also very sad and disturbing. I love her accepting and loving nature and example.

I volunteered at the School With No Name my first year of college, 1990-1991, about an hour a week. I wish I remembered Stacey Bess and my experience there better, but I do remember being impressed with her and her story - pregnant and married at 16, but still went to college and became a teacher.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fantastic book. Reading about Stacey's experience teaching homeless kids totally made me want to be better at serving others and becoming more Christ-like, even though it's not a religious book at all. Darwin & I read it together, and it's a great book for anyone who works in teaching, social work, etc. But I really think it's a great read for anyone. The whole book is touching and I definitely recommend it!

[Kendylus Roboticus · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a true story about how one woman changed a school for homeless children in SLC, Utah. It's a testament that book size doesn't matter; it's the material within. Inspiring and angering this book is sure to motivate you to be proactive in your community.

[Julie Olson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about a woman hired as a school teacher of the homeless school in a rough neighborhood. I never really connected with the author or the kids, it seems like the same old story of a teacher reforming a classroom, but only this time it was a homeless shelter.

[June Guymon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This probably isn't the greatest literature ever written, but should be a must for all educators or anyone working with children.

[Miriam Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacey’s story is a beautiful example of how to love the “least of these”. It’s raw and and written as tho she were sitting down with you in conversation.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody Don’t Love Nobody
by: Stacey Bess

-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Nobody Don’t Love Nobody, is a compilation of stories that take a look into the lives of underprivelaged children. The stories within will take you on a great journey with ALL the feels. They are inspiring stories of love and anger, of fear warmed by triumph, of loss tinged with hope. They are stories you will never forget. I admit that this story in ALL the ways tore at my heartstrings because I have a teaching degree background but, its impact went beyond that for me personally, and I believe it’s a story that every teacher should read but, also for anyone who wants to be inspired to make a difference in the world, because “It Only Takes One To Make A Difference,” no matter who you are. We can be kind to everyone!

-This inspiring story, gives a fresh perspective as Stacey Bess spent eleven years teaching children at the School With No Name, a classroom in a community homeless shelter. Throughout is a gentle reminder of how important it is to reach out in LOVE to EVERYONE. With empathy and compassion, Stacey sheds light on the lives of precious forgotten children and their natural desire for love and understanding. Stacey’s consistent dedication to her students and determination to provide them with the best education, and that every single child deserves love, care, and a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Her dear storytelling ability, beautifully combined with the genuine love she shows for her students, makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking a stirring reminder of the transformative power of education and love. I can do something!🙌🏻📚💯

“We can’t impose our own goals, wishes, or help on anyone. We can only teach, support, and love. We give them more opportunities, more choices. Then we love them regardless of the choices they make, hoping that they will learn to make better ones in the future.”

•Content: Set in a classroom within a community of homelessness and poverty, some trauma and hardship.

“Don’t be overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. The important thing is to do something.”

#25in25challenge
#allaboutthebestreads
#beinspiredtodosomethingtoday

[Inspiration Station · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has so many heart wrenching stories. Stacey Bess really inspired me to want to help and understand the homeless better. Although, I could have done without the bad language in the first half of the book. I highly recommend the Hallmark movie "Beyond the Blackboard" that is based on this true story about a teacher of homeless children in Salt Lake City.
.
p. 96 But we can't impose our own goals, wishes, or help on anyone. We can only teach, support, and love. We give them more opportunities, more choices. Then we love them regardless of the choices they make, hoping that they will learn to make better ones in the future.

p. 219 The most deprivation any child--any person--faces is not financial. It is the deprivation of experience, the deprivation of opportunity, and too often it is the deprivation of self, through lack of love and positive or stable experience.

p. 220 Don't be overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. The important thing is to do something. It simply takes making an effort to prove Curtis wrong, to prove that somebody does love somebody.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody Don’t Love Nobody was a great book! It shows how someone can be thrown into a tough situation, but still make the most out of it and make an impact on those around them. One thing that I noticed as a theme throughout was that a lot of the time, people just need to know they are loved and that someone cares about them. Even if they act like they don’t need anyone still be there for them, as most of the time they do.
So many people are doing there best to give back to those in need. LaBron James opened a school in Ohio to help get kids of the streets during the day, and give them the resources needed to succeed. Stacey Bess did the same thing at The School With No Name. She didn’t have a lot of money to do so, but with what she had, and a big heart she made every kid and family feel loved. She did everything she could to help every child succeed, even if it was a small victory. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It causes you to want to go out and make some good in the world.

[Steph Leeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a sweet one to read. I didn’t know anything about homeless children or that they attend schools at shelters. I automatically thought they were sent to foster care, than public school. I was completely educated from this book.
Though this book was written in the 90’s, it inspired me to look up what the situation on current shelters are like in this day and age. I’d like to continue to find a little more information on this and look into ways I can help.

[Niki Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read to get ready for another school year. I love Stacey’s motives for writing the book: to inform us about the effects of homelessness and to encourage us to be loving and to serve each other.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey is amazing!! She is such an inspiration and has done so much good for the homeless community. She lives her life by putting love in action! Also check out Beyond the Blackboard on YouTube which is a movie based on this true story.

[Kristin Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moving, powerful, sad, emotional stories shared, but I couldn’t connect with the book and its writing was and over the place. Sometimes you can read the most emotional stories, but if they are not written well, they don’t capture the reader.

[Andrah Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fantastic books I’ve ever read. I believe this is a book everyone should read— the lessons and stories it holds are incredibly moving and poignant. I truly think this book could change lives.

[Jessica Reichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the movie based on this book. I finally got around to reading the book, and it was better than the movie (thank goodness!). This book had me cheering for Mrs. Bess and loving all the people in the shelter.

[Courtney Jones Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the experiences of a teacher who is working a school established in a homeless shelter. There is a heavier focus on homeless children than on teaching, but it is a very eye opening novel.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book to understand how homelessness affects a child's education.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening, poignant book about homelessness. A book we can all learn from.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star rating.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ksks

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading this several days ago and am still consumed by Bess' stories.
Bess has a great talent, skill and compassion (like a sense of humor) to work with the families and children in such a difficult situations.
I understand that a growing percentage of homeless families are the "working poor."
There are also those whose lifestyle and choices land them on the streets. But, to me, it is not just a question of not making the right choice, it is also a question of how their brain works in our complex society and how they perceive their world.
Last year I leafed through a book about generational poverty where a couple of observations by the author has stuck with me. A) Most of the clients she visited seemed to be of the "hunter" personality type. (I am assuming the "hunter" vs. "farmer" personality, and B) Her clients would also often quit a job because of perceived personality clashes between them and "the boss". They would quit because "the boss didn't like me." Their reactions to life's problems are often made only with emotion and not with any logic or consideration of long-term consequences (my guess their brain does not work sequentially but randomly).
Combine that with an out-of-control dependence on substance abuse and I think the chances are extremely high that this is a family group likely to end up homeless.
It almost seems that we do have tribes of nomads traveling through out cities.
As Bess learned merely educating people is not enough. (i.e. We give them enough education and they will make better choices - and choose like I do.)
Her main point, to treat others with dignity, respect and love is one we can all strive to do.
There is no simple solution to this extremely complex problem.

[Angelica Molina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms.Bess a loving teacher who made a difference on the school with no name her stories made me have the rare opportunity to see life through the young eyes of a child living in a family homeless shelter.
"I have taught math, reading, and self-worth. Though the lives of these children I have learned the difference one person can make and what happens when nobody steps up to make a difference."(page 180) Ms. Bess is the kind of person that inspires me to study and me a difference on the world. i want to be like her.

Jenny a homeless teen who fight against her homeless life. I love how She goes through million things but she never gives up. Live haven't been fear to her but that's not a impediment for her to stop trying. "I'm come second now. The baby needs are first" she said after she told Ms. Bess she was pregnant I suddenly realized that it was nothing new to her; her need had always come last and now she is giving the little she has to her baby not caring about her.

Danny's story broke my heart into millions of little pieces. Danny is a 15 years boy who has the bigger heart ever, the kindness guy i have met. At first he was acting rude and kind of respectful but i suddenly realized that she was just afraid to get hurt one more time. After meeting Ms. Bess his attitude changed. Ms. Bess discovered the lovely person he was inside. when Ms.Bess was taking him to a high school to try to the weaseling team and she got pulled over by a cop because the children where outside of the car and Danny said "but Sir", " i farted and we'll all die of suffocation if we get back in" (page 22) making the cop smile and letting them go.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a FABULOUS book about a woman who teaches school to homeless children in downtown Salt Lake City. Reading this book is an eye-opening experience and helps you realize how important it is to reach out in LOVE to EVERYONE! You never know how what you say or do could help someone and make a difference in their life. Stacey Bess emphasizes that most people who are homeless had to grow up too fast and no one took the time to tell them they were great and could accomplish their dreams. Without self-confidence and love from others they turned to other things that made life harder for them. Stacey often wondered if she was making a difference as children would only be there for short periods of time sometimes. I think it is remarkable to see the good one person can do who reaches out and loves people for who they are. Education is such an important way to change the world especially when you don't judge but believe in the students and love. One of my favorite quotes from the book was on page 207 and 208. After a homeless man gives Stacey a nice quilt because he wouldn't know what to do with something so nice she takes it home and makes it her family's "Love Quilt" reminding them how important it is to love others. She said, "We never know who is watching; we never know when what we have to give might meet another's need. No matter how simple the act may seem, we may never get another opportunity to touch someone's life." So, take every chance you get to touch someone's life! :)