“Our son went from barely reading in grade 4 to reading well and enjoying it thanks to the Bethel’s books! He graduated as the most improved student in grade 6!”
—Mr. K. Pearce, Parent, Eleuthera
“I purchased your books from Office General, and I am very pleased because my daughter had problems with reading. She attends P. A. Gibson Primary School, and Ms. Bethel, your books helped her tremendously. Thank you very, very much. She didn't like to read at all and didn't want to pick up a book, but now she's fluently picking up books and reading.”
—Ms. L. Charity, Parent, Eleuthera
“When the school told me my daughter was showing bully-like behavior, I knew I had to step in quickly. I got her a copy of Courage to Overcome, and it truly made a difference. The story spoke to her heart, so much so that even her Guidance Counselor noticed the change. What touched me most was how it sparked a new love for reading; she actually asked me for more of Mrs. Bethel’s books. As a parent, that means everything.”
—Mrs. Sweeting, Parent, Eleuthera
"Go To The Head Of The Class is the answer I have been looking for to help my young teen jumpstart her writing. Although I myself am a writer, I had no idea how to translate what is intuitive to me into practical how-to for her. This handbook is that perfect tool.
It lays a very good foundation to provide a starting point, then introduces the building blocks of good writing. The author provides content for creativity, introduces context for out-of-the-box thinking, supplies a toolbox full of alternatives to the usual defaults in descriptive words and phrases, and provides a solid framework for engaging prose.
Although it is comprehensive in its content, this book is totally unintimidating. I can actually see anyone from elementary school to high school benefitting from it.
This is the first step toward our maiden voyage in writing and I am excited to see where the journey takes us. Thank you so much Mrs. Bethel for putting this wonderful tool in our hands. I hope it finds itself in the hands of countless other aspiring young writers!"
—Colleen Aitken, Homeschool Mom (USA)
"Wow! These pictures are beautiful and the Author includes educational information. My 5yr old loved this and I had no idea about any of this history until we read this book. We bought this after the pirate book by the same Author which our whole family absolutely loved! I was looking for kid friendly history of the Bahamas before we travel there and these books were perfect! I hope they make more like these books, we will buy them all up for our homeschooling family!"
—Robert Bacsik Homeschool Parent (USA)
Educator's Review
Go to The Head of The Class: Story Writing Tips and Prompts for Young Writers, by author Teri M. Bethel, is an excellent tool for helping students to become good writers and storytellers. It encourages students to become creative, confident writers.
Additionally, this writing tool offers a variety of activities that can enhance students writing skills. Many times, when my students are given writing assignments, you would see them taking out “Go to the Head of The Class,” to make use of the tips and information in it.
The “10 Simple Tips for Creating Incredible Short Stories” outlined in the book are very useful. As the students have been following these tips, I have seen improvement in their writing.
An activity section of the book that truly stands out, is word search puzzles. It is excellent for vocabulary development! The puzzles sparked interesting conversations among the students as they completed them. For example, when the students were completing the puzzle about weather conditions, they began a conversation about hurricanes. We know that conversation and speaking also helps to develop good writing skills. Simply put, the students enjoy the competition of finding words in the puzzles!
I also appreciate the descriptive words section in this book. Similar to the word search puzzles, it helps students to expand their vocabulary and use new words in their writing, instead of constantly using common or basic words.
Overall, Go to The Head of The Class is a superb tool for helping students to become not just good writers, but authors, like Mrs. Teri Bethel herself.
Celia Imlach, Trained Teacher,
The Case of The Missing Boat Captain
During a visit to Long Island, I was informed that you and your husband donated two books to the Long Island Community Library. I normally enjoy reading books by Bahamian authors and felt compelled to read your books. My day for departure was fast approaching thus I was only able to read Love On Maruba Island.
The book is well written and transforms the reader into a place of vast imaginary heights... I truly enjoyed this book. Later, I was able to return to Long Island only to be informed that the library was closed. Nonetheless, a few days later I ran into the librarian who agreed to allow me to read the other book (The Case of the Missing Boat People [Captain]... and wow!! What a journey, filled with adventure, spiritual, physical, and emotional. As a Bahamian, I was able to identify with most of what was written, and without even thinking about it, I was self-examining my spiritual life. I was moved while reading this book, to rededicate my life to God... oh, what a wonderful feeling.
These books were a multi-faceted emotional and spiritual whirlwind, full of hopes and dreams that far surpass the human imagination. I truly enjoyed them and wish the same for the children, tha you hope would get to read them.
Ms. L. Taylor
Courage to Overcome
“As an educator for 38 years, an experienced teacher, Guidance Counselor, Vice Principal, and Principal. I often saw how unchecked behavioral issues could derail a child's future. One case stood out: a young girl who was the bully, not the victim. Her mother turned to Courage to Overcome by Teri M. Bethel, and the results were remarkable. The child grew in empathy, learned to express herself better, and even developed a love for reading—asking for more books by the author.
That experience convinced me of this book’s power. Its relatable stories and practical lessons give children the emotional vocabulary and moral grounding they need before negative behaviors take root.
If we want to effectively address challenges in our schools, we must start early. Integrating Courage to Overcome into homes and classrooms can equip children with courage, wisdom, and resilience—helping them avoid problems before they begin.”
Principal Shanna L. Johnson (Ret.), Eleuthera