Menderist shares stories about how people turned difficult moments, days, and situations around. See the menu to choose stories in the categories of Relationships; Health; Work; At Home; and Outside and Around.
Special Issues: Family Mental Health, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorable Gift, Teacher/Educator, Year in Review
How can you build hope after navigating serious health issues related to Covid? Teacher Linda Peters shares a personal story about working through health challenges and regaining hope for the future.
“I learned to look beyond my current situation so I could hold on to life’s joys instead of just surviving fog-filled days.”
An educator explains how he gains hope by reflecting on the collective effort of his school’s staff, student, and parent community.
“Every nook and cranny of my school is filled with students carrying dreams of who they want to become.”
A researcher explains how her family’s involvement with a community theatre pageant has increased her sense of hope and connection.
“Somehow, everything comes together into a spectacular event that people come back to see, year after year.”
A grandfather shares how he maintains a sense of hope while experiencing ongoing health challenges.
“Although I’m currently navigating a health downside, I am also enjoying the upside of seeing my granddaughter’s accomplishments.”
Empathy and community are living on in young people, explains a school librarian. She shares an example of teens supporting each other through messages in a popular book.
“I left the words of real teens where it was – to keep their feeling of connection through story and life alive.”
What does an inspiring school library look like? An educator shares favorite memories of children’s reactions to the fun environment she and other librarians created.
“Elementary students dashed into the library and ran to their favorite sections, looking at the new signage and posters….”
A sensitive child struggles in Spanish language class – until her teacher takes a more playful approach.
“The entire class was loving it – except Jenna. It was at this moment I realized Jenna hated loud noises!”
An educator remembers how, as a child, she felt valued by her teacher. She shares how she fosters a sense of belonging in her work with children today.
“These behind-the-scenes moments of showing students …help them understand the ‘why’ behind what teachers do….”
It can be challenging to keep children reading – so when they succeed, it’s time to celebrate. A peek into a middle school’s ‘Fun Friday’.
“If classes had earned positive feedback and accomplished their tasks …they had free time on Friday to take part in special activities.”
Here’s Menderist’s complete list of 19 mental-health themed books, 2024-2025, that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together. We chose these books in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (of 11 to 14).
“Seventh-grader Viv …becomes so preoccupied with her image and social media presence that she ignores her real-life friends.” (from the review of ‘Picture Day’)
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Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
