Just Another Kid

"Just Another Kid is not just another book. This remarkable teacher's memoir reminds us that love takes many forms." -The New York Times

From the bestselling author of One Child comes the true story of six children impossible to reach and the amazing teacher who embraced them all.

Torey Hayden faced six emotionally troubled kids no other teacher could handle—three recent arrivals from battle-torn Northern Ireland, badly traumatized by the horrors of war; eleven-year-old Dirkie, who only knew of life inside an institution; excitable Mariana, aggressive and sexually precocious at the age of eight; and seven-year-old Leslie, perhaps the most hopeless of all, unresponsive and unable to speak.

With compassion, rare insight, and masterful storytelling, teacher Torey Hayden once again touches our hearts with her account of the miracles that can happen in her class of “special” children.

This unforgettable and inspiring true story is a testament to the power of unconditional love, revealing:

Special Education Challenges: Follow Torey as she takes on a classroom of six children deemed unreachable, including Dirkie, who has only ever known institutional life, and Leslie, a girl lost in silence. Childhood Trauma: Witness the profound impact of war on three young children from Northern Ireland and the patient, compassionate work required to help them heal. Against the Odds: Experience the small miracles and stunning breakthroughs that occur when a dedicated teacher refuses to give up on her students, no matter how hopeless they seem. An Inspiring Teacher's Journey: A deeply personal and moving story of resilience, love, and the incredible bonds that form between one amazing teacher and the “special” children she embraced.