There's No Such Thing as a Bad Kid: How I Went from Stereotype to Prototype

by Titus O’Neil, Paul Guzzo (Primary Contributor)

An inspiring story from a humanitarian role model and WWE superstar, known to fans as Titus O’Neil One caring person can change the course of a child’s life ― Titus O’Neil knows that first-hand. Growing up, he was repeatedly confronted with negativity. By the time he was a teenager, he figured that he was the bad kid everyone said he was ― until an adult looked him in the eye and said, “There is no such thing as a bad kid.” Unfortunately, many children across North America are labeled “bad.” They may have short attention spans, unstable home environments, or learning difficulties. Often, these young people are diagnosed with an emotional or behavioral disorder and placed in special classes. They internalize these labels, and the imposed limitations affect their ability to learn, behave, and fit in. There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Kid chronicles Titus’s turbulent childhood years as he was helped to shed the label and realize his unique greatness, his value and potential. His remarkable story will provide hope and inspiration to children in similar circumstances and will help guide well-meaning adults in how to pay forward their successes to a generation of disadvantaged children.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2019

Reviews

[Mike Fazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The mindset that this book preaches is one of love and understanding. In this day and age, I think we could all use that mentality. Through Mr. Bullard's experiences, we are guided through his life and decision making process. The book barely touches on his WWE career which is not a detriment to the book at all. This was a very fast read and conveys a great message. As a teacher, it reinforces my belief that every child has a story and deserves our understanding and time. A fascinating story and a great message.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gator great Thaddeus Bullard writes a compelling memoir.

Of his time in WWE, he says little but brings up his two most "defining" moments.

Despite his conception, his tale is of a poor inner city kid becoming comfortable

And giving to as many as possible the leg up that was given to him.

While Thaddeus didn't have an easy childhood, he shows the power of

Good, caring, hard working men stepping in and showing him a better path.

Since these mentors meant to much to him, he has made it is mission to pay it forward.

And thus ends my creative attempt at a review. Truly an amazing tale of some of the worst hardship possible being overcome with the power of a caring adult mentor. WWE fans looking for a "WWE lockerroom" book won't find that here. Gator fans looking for a book about his time at Florida will find a bit more of that here, but even then, it isn't the actual focus of the book. But Bullard's message is one that needs to get out, and he has done a remarkable job using the fame he has to get it out. Truly a commendable man and a very much recommended book.

[Lance Lumley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by WWE wrestler Titus O Neil, is NOT a wrestling book. He does mention a few wrestling stories, but this writing is basically his background growing up in an at risk environment, along with his take on how to change education, and the systems to get more kids out of these situations. The book is easy to read, and has some great thoughts, from someone who has been there. Educators and politicians need to take a look at this book , along with anyone who wants to help out their local communities for the better. Even though it is a WWE book, don't be confused thinking you will get tons of wrestling stories. It is still a good read.
For an in depth review, go to my page at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...

[Will Port · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, speak this summer at Get Your Teach On in Dallas. His story and message inspired me to read his book, “There is No Such Thing As a Bad Kid”.
This is his story growing up in nearly impossible situations. He shares it so I will, he was raised by a single mom who had Thaddeus when she was 12, a product of her being raped at 11.
This book is also as much the story of the people who believed in him and helped him grow into the caring and gracious man he is today.
A great book with a strong message. I wanted to read this book because I’m becoming an educator, but there are so many examples and uses I see that I could have used in my military career as well, not to mention being part of a community. A recommended read and discussion.

[Michelle Voran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading/hearing about someone’s life, and hearing Titus’ story was no exception. This was an easy-to-read book about a story of overcoming hardships. I really appreciated his perspective and love what he is doing to pour into others. Good book that I definitely recommend!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read for anyone who plans on working with children in their career. Titus does all a child needs is one person to believe in them and be their champion.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's No Such Thing as a Bad Kid by Titus O'Neil (Thaddeus Bullard) was a really interesting and revealing read. I went into this knowing Titus as a pro wrestler, and I learned so much more about him as a person through this honest (really, really honest and emotional) memoir about his growing up. I had no idea how much he had gone through and overcome to get to where he is today. It was incredible to see all the times he could have given up, but didn't, and similarly how others could have given up on him, but also didn't. In addition to being full of him recounting his story, this was also about the lessons he had learned and wanted to share with others. In this, he talks about how he now pays it forward and gives back, and this book was also him dispensing advice and wisdom from where he's been. Y'all, this was such an eye opener. There was a little bit of wrestling here, but really, this is about Titus/Thaddeus the human, and that is the story worth sharing/reading. I understand and appreciate how and why he now uses the platform he's been given. This was some kind of a life story, and I have a deepened respect for Titus' mission to share this story and help others get where they want to go. Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for the advanced look at this powerful August release.