Testimonials

What people have said about The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms:

"I must admit at first I wasn't convinced by this resource. It seemed to make very big claims - "This book is without a doubt the 'bible' of teenagers" says a quotation on the front of the the book. But I gave it a try and I was stunned by the results. Ken Barnes' story book certainly hit the mark in my classroom, with the pupils sitting spellbound as they listened to the story of Robert, the teenager who was irresponsible. This led to his bad behaviour in class, and his failure to tie his little sister's shoelace, which inevitably leads to disaster. One boy in my class, the most 'streetwise', said, "That story was me" and all of the pupils, Year 9 with general learning difficulties, were able to explain the morals from Robert's story and the key themes being promoted. Excellent stuff.

A second story raised powerful issues about relationships with parents and again led to an absolutely silent classroom while the story was being told, and an honest discussion afterwards. My pupils' ability to respond to the values in the book is tribute to its clarity. It is trying to give a structure to how young people think, making them aware of the choices they make, the actions they take and the consequences they have to face. The book promotes education as a key to success and the author is very brave in using teenager-talk to put across what some would perceive as an 'uncool' message. However, at a time of growing knife crime and attacks on the streets, this book is doing something very significant and trying to shape thinking and attitudes.

We did have a try at the questionnaire in the pupils' workbook and wordsearch, although the questionnaire was a little wordy for my pupils. However they did find the character assessment task interesting. This would work better with more literate pupils. We were surprised by the use of a 4-letter word on the free sampler audio cd, that probably could have been taken out without any change in the message. If you visit wwww.respectisms.com you will see that this is a whole programme which can be linked with training. This was put into context when one of my pupils said, "I'm scared to go out as I worry that I am going to be the next teenager who is going to be stabbed". If Ken Barnes and 'The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms' can help create a better world for young people, all credit to him and what he is doing." A review of The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms on TES Connect (Read review online at TES)

"This book is true to life for many young people, but richly laced with refreshing, inspiring messages, and quotes. Bottom line, core fundamental life lessons are on offer here, which all will benefit from! This definitely, is one to watch out for!" Karen Bascombe (aka Young Voices bookworm)

"A book unlike any other I have ever read." Rhys Lewis aged 14

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as a parent of a 14 year old and teacher, it is an excellent resource.The entire package is very clear, easy to use and easily accessible to all who wish to use it. The guide had a great deal of information and I was impressed with the amount of detail included." Claire Henley - Teacher

"A wonderful book! - Riveting chapters making it impossible to put down. Characters felt real - with life changing positive messages for all to receive. At many points in the book I felt as though I was there in the story - something for everyone." Carol Cunningham

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“This is without a doubt the 'bible' for all teenagers. A highly effective book which will engage teenagers and indeed help them to face crucial decisions in their lives.If only this book was available when I was going through adolescence it would have saved both myself and my Mum a lot of agony. Respectisms brings clarity to a lot if not all decisions faced by both teen boys and girls. In a down to earth fashion it allows the reader to make informed choices which may otherwise ended poor decision making. I don't think I put the book down once.” Debbii McKoy - Author of ‘We The New Me’

"A thoughtful and inspirational book that explores the pressures of life that faces not only young people but adults as well." Marsha Wisdom

"I really enjoyed the book and got caught up in the stories to the extent where I found myself willing the characters to make good choices in their all too real situations they found themselves in. I also enjoyed the Wisdom Quotes in the Character Building Questionnaire, my favourite is "A mind stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions" which in a way sums up the purpose of the book, to change young minds (and indeed old minds) for the better. It is a fun and and inspirational read." Trevor Cole

"Just to say that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the CD The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms. Not only does it offer realistic experiences that are easy to relate to but it provides an opportunity to reflect on one's own life experiences. I enjoyed all of the stories which were told in such a manner that it kept me totally engrossed but, I particularly liked Emma story and found her experience to be very emotive. The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms I believe, can help young people recognise that they have the power to direct their own life simply by making different and better choices. The stories cover a variety of issues which are relevant for young people in today's society as each story can capture an experience that a young person may have faced or could face in the future. The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms can offer young people encouragement as they learn that they really do have some control in their lives and hopefully provide them with some guidance. As it can teach them just how much the decisions they make can have serious consequences for their lives." Yvonne Lynch

"I work with young people and find it difficult to understand how easily led they are and how they often do not stop to think of the consequences of their actions. This book is an easy read reflecting teenage language and clearly explains how careless thoughts and actions can cause bigger problems in teenagers lives. Mr Barnes has written a book with a lot of currency for teenagers facing the issues explored in the book. It should be read by teachers, parents, social workers anyone working with young people and in a position to encourage young people to read this guide." Amanda Howells - Connexions Manager

"My mum bought this book for me and its really deep. There are seven teenagers and each has a story to tell and within each story there is a lesson to learn. It made me look at where I want to be when i leave school and realize that I have to make better choices if I want to get on. Mum bought me the workbook too which has fun quizzes and stuff, in one of the quizzes I discovered my learning style which I didn't know before so I'm going to use that to do better in my exam revision. Its helped me think for myself." Blanca

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"The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms allowed me to meet each character, hear their voices and their stories. I laughed and cried… but most of all it made me think about the reality of young people’s lives today and the responsibility that both they and we have to ensure that we make a right and proper choices. Initially my son read the book and I listened to the CD. Once we started neither of us could stop. We found ourselves talking about the stories over dinner, as though talking about old friends. We would refer to Robert, or Emma as though we were retelling a story told to us in confidence. We listened to the CD again together, and we were both touched by the same or different things. But that didn't’t seem to matter.

By writing The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms Ken Barnes has provided a starting point for parent and child to meet and talk, and share their views on subjects that might otherwise have proved difficult to discuss. Before ‘Respectisms’ I thought that my son was still relatively young. However, listening to the CD together made me realize just how much he is affected by what goes on around him, and it gave us a starting point…. common ground, on which to discuss issues sensitively and without judgment." Tracey Sage

"The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms is an eye-catching and realistic approach to the youths of our time… to make them think about their future. And these stories have got lots of truth in them, unlike many other stories, RESPECTisms gives you an insight into the lives and thoughts of the characters and almost makes you feel like your inside the story. It has changed my outlook on life, making me think about the choices I make and how I view situations." Omari Sage-Brown

"I read 'The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms' and found it an easy read that presents compelling messages in an effortless way. I particularly liked that the messages were not over-emphasised within the stories, allowing the reader to make sense of it without it being laid out in a 'and the moral of the story is...' manner. I also liked the realism of the stories in that they did not conclude with seven neat and happy endings." Geraldine James

"The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms is very impressive, I feel that you really have created an incredible educational source." Cindy So So

"I really liked the stories in the book. I read it with my sister and we both cried a bit when we read Robert's story. It is a good book for teenagers to read." Holly Moore

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"I buy books all the time for my children and I decided to get this book for my teenage son and daughter. It seemed like the kind of book that would inspire them. The book has done far more than I expected, it has not only inspired them to think about their actions it has also led to some great family conversations about the principles and stories in the book. My wife and I have also read the book and have thoroughly enjoyed it as well. It is truly a book for all the family. Great stories that are easy to understand. We have now purchased the character building workbook and are using it with our children. This book is a must for your collection." Michael Senrab

"I bought the book for my teenagers because like many parents I feel that lack of respect is an increasing problem in our society especially amongst our young people. This book draws you into the lives of seven characters and the thought provoking true to life situations they experience, each making decisions which affects their future lives. I was so impressed with how my teenagers discussed this book afterwards and how the word "Respectisms" has become their new buzzword in a very positive way, that I decided to order the workbook and guide for them. It certainly encouraged animated discussion and made them think about how they react to situations in their own lives and what they stand for." C. Baronovitch

"Ken, I am Paul Duvigneau (blind student) of Bromley College of Further & Higher Education and when you visited the College on the 4th December you kindly gave me a copy of the CD which accompanies your book. I have enjoyed it very much and listened to it so many times. My favorite characters in the book are Eddy and Emma. This is a good book to recommend to a youngster to read for I feel it would encourage them in many different areas and to read books like this. I hope you will write many more books like this! I also reckon you’re a good speaker and encourage people to think in positive ways. It was nice meeting you and I hope to meet you in the future." Paul Duvigneau

"I really enjoyed The Seven Principles of RESPECtisms and will see if I can get my teenagers to read it too. I hope you are getting the commercial success it deserves." Ron Daniel

"When I met Ken recently I thought it was a really interesting idea to use storytelling as a way of young people learning. Having been in and around education for the last 2 years I haven’t come across anything like this. I found that the whole package (the facilitators guide, the workbook and the book) worked really well together, like pieces of a jigsaw, Ken tells stories like they are and I am sure that the young people he works with get a lot out of the sessions." Liz Sorton, Youth Coach

"Brilliant book, really enjoyed it. The stories in The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms couldn't relate more to my life as a young person." Tyrell Steven Beckles aged 16

"Many of our students lack motivation & self esteem. The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms sessions encouraged them to think and discuss within a group setting. I think it was a very powerful exercise and one that I would recommend we continue with." Lesley Morris, Transition Development Manager, Royal Society For The Blind, Dorton College.

"What a wonderful book a must read for all. As young people living in this society they need to be able to know adults are here for guidance, love, understanding and support what ever the case as they do have a voice (a positive voice at that as we know anything negative will be turn around to positive.) This book made my inner child come out to the for-front and what a emotional joy that was.

Well done to the Author Ken Barnes an inspiring positive man with knowledge,wisdom and determination a positive role model for all, may your inner love continue to grow." Zoe Joseph

Ken my 12 yr old son is currently reading your RESPECTisms book and he is really enjoying it. Additionally he likes the phrase about what education can do for you (he says that it comes to his mind every time he is sitting in the class room and feels like talking during a lesson). Vera Nicholas

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