Choosing Hope: Moving Forward from Life's Darkest Hours - Hardcover

"Every day teachers go beyond the call of duty, touching children's lives...Kaitlin is proof of that in so many ways."
--Otha Thornton, president of National PTA

"For anyone who has despaired at the human condition, at the horrors we perpetrate onto each other, Kaitlin Roig-Debellis tells a story that shares our heartbreak and then, just as persuasively, offers us the only possible way forward."
Amanda Ripley, bestselling author of "The Smartest Kids in the World" and "The Unthinkable"

Every day teachers go beyond the call of duty, touching children's lives Kaitlin is proof of that in so many ways."
Otha Thornton, president of National PTA"

A brave book by a courageous woman that reveals the healing power of compassion.
--Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God
Stranded on an island of unfathomable tragedy and profound despair in the days after she and her students survived the horror of the Sandy Hook murders, first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis looked longingly at life proceeding on the mainland of normalcy.Choosing Hopeis her moving account of how she returned to that mainland by promoting generosity and accessing faith and positive thinking. Readers who themselves are grieving may find comfort in Roig-DeBellis's story and her design for moving forward.
--Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author of We Are Water and She s Come Undone
"Roig-DeBellis, a brave teacher who saved her kids, reveals one of the least known and most bewildering stories from the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. When she asked for a few common-sense accommodations for her traumatized first-graders such as a better door and a ladder out a window - she was told to stop asking. She didn't. Finally faced with the choice of continuing to advocate for her students safety and peace of mind, or keeping quiet to be able to stay in her classroom, she decided she couldn t be silent about what mattered most and had to leave. So she found a way to help all students nationwide with a new approach to teaching kindness. It is a book that parents and teachers will connect with deeply."
--Jay Mathews, education columnist, "Washington Post "and bestselling author of "Work Hard. Be Nice."
""
"For anyone who has despaired at the human condition, at the horrors we perpetrate onto each other, Kaitlin Roig-Debellis tells a story that shares our heartbreak and then, just as persuasively, offers us the only possible way forward."
--Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author of The Smartest Kids in the World and The Unthinkable"

""Choosing Hope"is a stirring memoir, capturing not only the brutality of the Sandy Hook tragedy but the incredible heroism, resilience and grace that emerged in its wake. KaitlinRoig-DeBellis s deep love for her students makes this a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book." --Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the New York Times bestseller "Thrive"
A brave book by a courageous woman that reveals the healing power of compassion.
--Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God
Stranded on an island of unfathomable tragedy and profound despair in the days after she and her students survived the horror of the Sandy Hook murders, first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis looked longingly at life proceeding on the mainland of normalcy.Choosing Hopeis her moving account of how she returned to that mainland by promoting generosity and accessing faith and positive thinking. Readers who themselves are grieving may find comfort in Roig-DeBellis's story and her design for moving forward.
--Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author of We Are Water and She s Come Undone
"Roig-DeBellis, a brave teacher who saved her kids, reveals one of the least known and most bewildering stories from the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. When she asked for a few common-sense accommodations for her traumatized first-graders such as a better door and a ladder out a window - she was told to stop asking. She didn't. Finally faced with the choice of continuing to advocate for her students safety and peace of mind, or keeping quiet to be able to stay in her classroom, she decided she couldn t be silent about what mattered most and had to leave. So she found a way to help all students nationwide with a new approach to teaching kindness. It is a book that parents and teachers will connect with deeply."
--Jay Mathews, education columnist, "Washington Post "and bestselling author of "Work Hard. Be Nice."
""
"For anyone who has despaired at the human condition, at the horrors we perpetrate onto each other, Kaitlin Roig-Debellis tells a story that shares our heartbreak and then, just as persuasively, offers us the only possible way forward."
--Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author of The Smartest Kids in the World and The Unthinkable"

"A beautifully written book that demonstrates the power of the human spirit."
-Adam Braun, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Promise of a Pencil"
""Choosing Hope"is a stirring memoir, capturing not only the brutality of the Sandy Hook tragedy but the incredible heroism, resilience and grace that emerged in its wake. KaitlinRoig-DeBellis s deep love for her students makes this a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book." --Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the New York Times bestseller "Thrive"
A brave book by a courageous woman that reveals the healing power of compassion.
--Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God
Stranded on an island of unfathomable tragedy and profound despair in the days after she and her students survived the horror of the Sandy Hook murders, first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis looked longingly at life proceeding on the mainland of normalcy.Choosing Hopeis her moving account of how she returned to that mainland by promoting generosity and accessing faith and positive thinking. Readers who themselves are grieving may find comfort in Roig-DeBellis's story and her design for moving forward.
--Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author of We Are Water and She s Come Undone
"Roig-DeBellis, a brave teacher who saved her kids, reveals one of the least known and most bewildering stories from the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. When she asked for a few common-sense accommodations for her traumatized first-graders such as a better door and a ladder out a window - she was told to stop asking. She didn't. Finally faced with the choice of continuing to advocate for her students safety and peace of mind, or keeping quiet to be able to stay in her classroom, she decided she couldn t be silent about what mattered most and had to leave. So she found a way to help all students nationwide with a new approach to teaching kindness. It is a book that parents and teachers will connect with deeply."
--Jay Mathews, education columnist, "Washington Post "and bestselling author of "Work Hard. Be Nice."
""
"For anyone who has despaired at the human condition, at the horrors we perpetrate onto each other, Kaitlin Roig-Debellis tells a story that shares our heartbreak and then, just as persuasively, offers us the only possible way forward."
--Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author of The Smartest Kids in the World and The Unthinkable"

"Heartfelt...[a] courage and inspiring book from a genuine hero." -Kirkus Reviews
Stranded on an island of unfathomable tragedy and profound despair in the days after she and her students survived the horror of the Sandy Hook murders, first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis looked longingly at life proceeding on the mainland of normalcy.Choosing Hopeis her moving account of how she returned to that mainland by promoting generosity and accessing faith and positive thinking. Readers who themselves are grieving may find comfort in Roig-DeBellis's story and her design for moving forward.
--Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author of We Are Water and She s Come Undone
A brave book by a courageous woman that reveals the healing power of compassion.
--Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God
""Choosing Hope"is a stirring memoir, capturing not only the brutality of the Sandy Hook tragedy but the incredible heroism, resilience and grace that emerged in its wake. KaitlinRoig-DeBellis s deep love for her students makes this a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book." --Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the New York Times bestseller "Thrive"
"For anyone who has despaired at the human condition, at the horrors we perpetrate onto each other, Kaitlin Roig-Debellis tells a story that shares our heartbreak and then, just as persuasively, offers us the only possible way forward."
--Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author of The Smartest Kids in the World and The Unthinkable
"A beautifully written book that demonstrates the power of the human spirit."
-Adam Braun, "New York Times"bestselling author of"The Promise of a Pencil"
"Roig-DeBellis, a brave teacher who saved her kids, reveals one of the least known and most bewildering stories from the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. When she asked for a few common-sense accommodations for her traumatized first-graders such as a better door and a ladder out a window - she was told to stop asking. She didn't. Finally faced with the choice of continuing to advocate for her students safety and peace of mind, or keeping quiet to be able to stay in her classroom, she decided she couldn t be silent about what mattered most and had to leave. So she found a way to help all students nationwide with a new approach to teaching kindness. It is a book that parents and teachers will connect with deeply."
--Jay Mathews, education columnist, "Washington Post "and bestselling author of "Work Hard. Be Nice.""

"The memoir not only dramatically conveys how swiftly an 'ordinary' life can change, but also probes the depth of the struggle to rise from despair to hope." "Publisher's Weekly"
"Heartfelt...[a] courageous and inspiring book from a genuine hero." Kirkus Reviews
"Choosing Hope"is a moving account of how Roig-DeBellis returned to normalcy by promoting generosity and accessing faith and positive thinking."
Wally Lamb, "New York Times" bestselling author of "We Are Water" and "She s Come Undone"
A brave book by a courageous woman that reveals the healing power of compassion.
Karen Armstrong, " New York Times" bestselling author of "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life" and "The History of God"
""Choosing Hope"is a stirring memoir, capturing not only the brutality of the Sandy Hook tragedy but the incredible heroism, resilience and grace that emerged in its wake. KaitlinRoig-DeBellis s deep love for her students makes this a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book."
Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the "New York Times" bestseller "Thrive"
"For anyone who has despaired at the human condition, at the horrors we perpetrate onto each other, Kaitlin Roig-Debellis tells a story that shares our heartbreak and then, just as persuasively, offers us the only possible way forward."
Amanda Ripley, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Smartest Kids in the World" and "The Unthinkable"
Teachers rescue children every day by teaching them the skills they need to succeed in life. But no teacher expects to have to rescue her students from a deadly attack. Kaitlin Roig s quick thinking and swift action saved her students lives. In her book, "Choosing Hope," Kaitlin honors the memory of the children and educators whose lives were lost on that sad day.
--Mrs. Laura Bush, "Former First Lady of the United States"
"In "Choosing Hope," Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis shows what being tough, courageous, and compassionate is all about. In the face of unspeakable tragedy and horror, she gives us a beautiful portrait of the power of hope and love in the healing of a person, a community, and a country."
Gabrielle Giffords," Former Congresswoman "and "New York Times "bestselling author
"A beautifully written book that demonstrates the power of the human spirit."
Adam Braun, "New York Times"bestselling author of"The Promise of a Pencil"
"It is a book that parents and teachers will connect with deeply."
Jay Mathews, education columnist, "Washington Post "and bestselling author of "Work Hard. Be Nice."
What a fantastic, straightforward and authentic book. All readers especially teachers, parents and those in emergency professions will find much to stimulate their thinking in "Choosing Hope." I ll be recommending it to all of my colleagues.
Professor Isaac Ashkenazi, International Expert for Crisis Management & Leadership, Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Every day teachers go beyond the call of duty, touching children s lives .Kaitlin is proof of that in so many ways. Otha Thornton, president of National PTA
""Choosing Hope" is an inspiring story of a young teacher s triumph over the unimaginable tragedy of the Sandy Hook school massacre. It is also a cautionary tale about school administrators who don't listen. There are many more Kaitlins in our classrooms than we know. We must cherish them." Tony Wagner, author of "The Global Achievement Gap "and "Creating Innovators"
Intensely moving. " New York Daily News
" ""Choosing Hope" "is part memoir, part testimonial, and all heart. Ms. Roig-DeBellis witnessed the absolute worst of mankind and survived; in its aftermath, she chose to move forward and she implores readers to do the same, regardless of their circumstances. By choosing hope over pessimism, love over hate, and compassion over ambivalence, we choose to live within light even when darkness threatens to descend. That s a lesson entirely worthy of learning, and sharing and there s nobody better to teach it. Examiner.com"
""

Heartfelt . . . [a] courageous and inspiring book from a genuine hero. Kirkus Reviews

"The memoir not only dramatically conveys how swiftly an 'ordinary' life can change, but also probes the depth of the struggle to rise from despair to hope." Publisher's Weekly
"Heartfelt...[a] courageous and inspiring book from a genuine hero." Kirkus Reviews
Choosing Hopeis a moving account of how Roig-DeBellis returned to normalcy by promoting generosity and accessing faith and positive thinking."
Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author of We Are Water and She s Come Undone
A brave book by a courageous woman that reveals the healing power of compassion.
Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God
"...

"[S]tirring...a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book." 
--Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the New York Times bestseller Thrive

Kaitlin Roig-Debellis is the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who saved her entire class of fifteen six- and-seven-year-olds from the tragic events that took place on December 14, 2012, by piling them into a single-occupancy bathroom within her classroom, mere feet from the brutal and indiscriminate massacre taking place outside the door. Since then, despite the unimaginably painful experiences she endured, she has chosen to share her experience with others, in the hope that they too can find light in dark moments.

Choosing Hope is a lot of things. A written witness to a tragedy that will never be forgotten. A gripping firsthand testament to the power of good over the power of destruction. An inspirational memoir by a brave young woman whose story is one of courage, heroism, faith, and resilience. And a celebration of all the people who make the choice to pass along their hope and positivity to young ones—parents, mentors, and especially teachers. There is no moving on, but there is always moving forward. And how we move forward is a choice.

"[M]oving" -Wally Lamb, New York Times bestselling author of We Are Water and She’s Come Undone

"[B]rave" -Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God

 “Although now I have witnessed the worst of mankind, instead of feeling bitter or regretful I have chosen to embrace gratitude. I believe in the power of kindness, the influence of educators and mentors, faith and God, and most of all I believe in humanity. Bad things happen to all of us, things that test us and impact us and change us, but it is not those moments that define us. It is how we choose to react to them that does.”  —Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis