LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down

by R. Janet Walraven

What does a teacher do with a teenage student who can’t seem to read, write, speak, or want to mix in with others? What does a parent do when their child is continually bullied throughout elementary school without teachers or administrators seeming to care? Where is a safe place for students with challenges that no one seems to understand?

This is a true story. When Liam came to my classroom, I knew something was off. What was I supposed to do with this student who was extremely withdrawn? I didn’t know, but I knew I had to find out ̶ a challenge that I could not ignore. This book isn’t only about bullying, though there was plenty of that. It’s about a boy who needed help to allow his potential to surface. If you are a teacher, a parent, or anyone who has witnessed, or have themselves experienced this, you need this book. LIAM will give you hope.

R. Janet Walraven's book, Connect for Classroom Success, is an insightful guide to the challenges and rewards of teaching. This companion book, LIAM, reaches another level. Compelling and powerful, this against-all-odds success story of a severely marginalized student demonstrates the importance of an individualized approach in education, as well as the tremendous life-changing impact that a dedicated, compassionate teacher can make. An inspiration to all of us!
--International Bestselling Author Ann Boelter
Liam is a truly touching story of some remarkable students and the incredible teacher who helped them realize their potential. The story brought tears to my eyes but also gave me reason to cheer for these likable students.
--Shirley M. Clifford, Beta Reader

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2023

About the author

R. Janet Walraven, M.Ed., is a retired 35-year teacher, K-12. She is passionate about writing, gardening, children of all ages, art, Ravens football team, and collecting ornamental hedgehogs from around the world. She writes in various genres. Janet received a second-place award for Mainstream Short Story, A Deeper Wave, from Southwest Writers 2001 Contest. This gave her the confidence and incentive to continue writing. Connect for Classroom Success won a Silver Award with Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards (2022). Rainbow of Promise: A World War II Romance won The Loyal Lyre Award (2019, Historical Fiction). Hector and Heloise in Paris (2022) is her first children’s book, encouraging children of all ages to visit the Louvre and the great museums of the world. Liam: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down (Narrative Non-Fiction, 2023) is a true story to give hope to those marginalized. Janet enjoys meeting readers at book signings and traveling in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. She has three essays posted on Our Grandfathers’ Grain Elevators website. Her dad built the cement plant in Tijeras Canyon (1958), and her parents owned The Texas Ann Motel (1958-1972), two blocks from Old Town where McDonald’s is now. Having moved 79 times in her life, she has decided to call New Mexico her home. She and her significant other, Mal Johnson, love adventures in The Land of Enchantment. Mal is her best critic and supporter.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you finish. This true story shines a light on the struggles of a boy who was misunderstood, bullied, and overlooked, and the remarkable teacher who refused to give up on him.

R. Janet Walraven writes with honesty, compassion, and courage, reminding us of the power of empathy and the life-changing difference a dedicated teacher can make. It’s not only a story about overcoming obstacles, but also about hope, resilience, and the beauty of unlocking hidden potential.

This book will make you cry, it will make you cheer, and it will absolutely inspire you. Every parent, teacher, and human being should read Liam’s story. A powerful testament to the difference one person’s belief can make in a child’s life.

[Patrick Greenwood]

I came to tears reading this incredible novel. The author not only captured this story well, but she also demonstrated the true sense of purpose in helping students that others gave up on. Being dyslexic, I felt for the main character and sincerely appreciated the teacher's and fellow students' willingness to help be there for him.

I highly recommend this incredible novel to everyone. We all need to hear extraordinary stories like this.

[Kameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.



There was a time when anyone who didn’t catch on at the same pace as others were labeled “retarded.” R. Janet Walraven notes thanks to former President Obama passing Rosa’s Law, “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” were replaced with “intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability.” Unfortunately, this change in federal law did not replace the use of these terms in state law. The author also states in chapter eight, “In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law guaranteeing that every child with a disability would get Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This is supposed to be included in the Individualized Education Programs, IEP’s, that special education teachers write. From there, they have options of working with the child onsite, sending them away for therapy, …or waiting for litigation.” R. Janet Walraven states that many teachers look the other way at a child’s apparent struggles because they lack support in costs and help from the administration. LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down is a prime example of when the administrator fails a teacher, fails to support the students and makes doing a teacher’s job harder than necessary.

Thirteen-year-old Liam has made a move from public to private school. His parents made a choice, not out of a need for better education. No, they are transferring him because they feel he’s unsafe in public school. Ms. J, the 8th-grade teacher at the private school, has a full class, but the principal, Mr. Chadwick, doesn’t care. That’s a recurring theme with him. He doesn’t care about the students’ safety, best interests, or helping the faculty. He abuses his power on several occasions.

Ms. J. could’ve been like Liam’s other teachers and accepted Liam as “mentally retarded” and let him float by. Liam’s parents, even Liam, accepted the label. Since Ms. J didn’t have proper special education training, the parents and Liam wouldn’t have faulted her. However, Ms. J was different from the other teachers. She thought Liam was mislabeled. She saw his intelligence, his potential. Ms. J stood up to the principal. She put her foot down when the bullies chants shredded Liam’s confidence. She sought outside help for Liam and even drove him to his sessions at Hope Clinic.

Hope Clinic properly diagnosed Liam, and he was not “retarded.” Liam has visual perception dysfunction. The book explains it in length, but (basically) Liam’s brain wasn’t computing what his eyes saw. He needed special glasses and exercises to retrain the brain. Thanks to Ms. J and her cousins, Liam never missed an appointment. Liam could afford specialized care thanks to his parents selling their home and moving into a trailer. I was angry to see the colossal sacrifice his parents had to make but also touched by their display of love.

LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down was FULL of emotions. I wanted to cry when the boys tore him down with their chants. I wanted to cry again at his graduation. My heart nearly burst when Willow asked Liam to join her in Jump Rope for Heart and the school newspaper. I cheered Liam when he repeatedly showed the world they were wrong about him.

I’ve worked in mainstream and special education classrooms. I’ve seen how people treat students that need extra help. Basically, I’ve run into my share of Mr. Chadwick’s. However, I also had the great pleasure of working with teachers who resemble Ms. J. They go the extra mile and then a thousand more.

Ms. J didn’t know to teach Liam (at first), but she didn’t give up on him. Students like Liam are highly intelligent. They only need to discover a way to show it. It could be reading glasses. It could be having questions read to them. I know teachers are overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid, but this story is a prime example of what can happen when teachers, administrators, and parents work together.

I encourage educators and parents of children with intellectual disabilities to read this book. It’s inspirational. It’s heart-warming. It’s worthy of five stars!

Be sure and look at the bonus material at the back of the book. Meet “Liam” and his best friend “Willow.” See where they are now. View writing samples from Liam. Also, check out appendix C: Characteristics of Dyslexia.

(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down tells the touching and inspiring true story of Liam, a young boy with dyslexia and other challenges, as he navigates a world that often misunderstands him. The story unfolds through the eyes of Ms. J, his empathetic and determined teacher, who strives to uncover Liam’s potential despite systemic obstacles, unkind peers, and his own self-doubt. It’s as much about perseverance as it is about the importance of advocacy, patience, and finding one’s place in a complicated world.

What I loved most about this book was the heartfelt writing. Walraven captures the struggles of a teacher trying to bridge the gap between a child’s potential and the resources available. One chapter that stood out was Liam's breakthrough moment in class, where he courageously shared his knowledge about salt’s historical significance, stunning both his peers and his teacher. The joy of seeing Liam's intelligence shine despite his struggles felt like a triumph, and it made me reflect on how small moments of courage can ripple into larger successes.

Another strength of the book lies in its vivid portrayal of the social dynamics in school. The author doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, such as bullying and administrative apathy. I was particularly moved by the scenes where Ms. J confronts the principal’s dismissive attitude toward Liam's challenges. The raw honesty of these moments made me angry at the system but grateful for teachers like Ms. J, who fight to make a difference.

The book occasionally leans into sentimentality. For the most part, this added to the emotional depth of the story, though a few scenes felt slightly dramatic when highlighting Liam’s struggles against the indifference of others. Even so, the book’s genuine heart and sincerity more than compensate, leaving a lasting and uplifting impression.

In the end, this book isn’t just about Liam; I think it’s about anyone who’s ever felt marginalized or overlooked. It’s a tribute to educators, parents, and friends who see beyond labels and stereotypes to the potential within. I’d recommend this book to teachers, parents, and anyone interested in stories of resilience and the transformative power of compassion.

[Daniel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIAM is one of those rare books that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. As a former educator myself, I was immediately drawn to R. Janet Walraven’s compassionate voice and unwavering dedication to her students. The book presents a real-life situation that many teachers face: encountering a student who doesn’t fit into the expected mold withdrawn, uncommunicative, and seemingly unreachable. Rather than turning away or giving up, Walraven embraces the challenge. What unfolds is nothing short of transformational for both Liam and the reader.

The story is raw and honest. Walraven doesn't sugarcoat the realities of bullying, administrative apathy, or the isolating pain of being different. Yet amidst all that darkness, she shines a bright light on what’s possible when a teacher truly listens, observes, and adapts. Her individualized approach to Liam’s learning and emotional needs is nothing short of heroic. It’s not just about one boy’s journey this book exposes systemic issues in education that need to be addressed.

What struck me most was how LIAM subtly yet powerfully advocates for empathy in education. The author didn’t rely on programs or test scores to measure success; instead, she focused on connection, trust, and building a safe space. The transformation in Liam’s confidence and abilities is heartwarming and empowering. It made me reflect on the impact a single teacher can have on a student’s entire life trajectory.

I highly recommend LIAM not only to teachers, but also to parents, administrators, and anyone who believes in the power of human connection. This is not just a boon it’s a call to action for a more inclusive and compassionate educational system. It will make you cry, cheer, and most of all, believe that change is possible when someone cares enough to try.

[Isabela Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that entertain, and then there are books that change you. LIAM by R. Janet Walraven is the latter. From the moment I began reading, I was pulled into the world of a student who had been written off, overlooked, and misunderstood until one exceptional teacher decided that enough was enough. This story is not just inspiring; it’s a call to every educator, parent, and policymaker to rethink how we approach students who don’t fit the mold.

What impressed me most was Walraven’s humility. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she invites the reader into her journey one filled with doubt, trial and error, and immense emotional labor. Through her efforts to reach Liam, she illustrates the incredible power of persistence and the transformative effect of kindness. This isn’t just a story about one boy; it’s a reflection on the brokenness of a system that often fails the most vulnerable.

The emotional arc of this story is both devastating and uplifting. There were moments that brought me to tears particularly those that depicted the bullying and isolation Liam endured for years. But there were also moments of triumph and quiet victories that made my heart swell. Watching Liam slowly emerge from his shell is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read in nonfiction.

If you’re looking for a book that will restore your faith in humanity and remind you of the profound difference one person can make, look no further. LIAM is more than a memoir it’s a movement toward empathy, awareness, and inclusive education. I’m so grateful this story was told.

[Ruth W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading LIAM was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. R. Janet Walraven’s storytelling is poignant, deeply personal, and incredibly moving. The fact that this is based on a true story only adds to its powerful impact. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I found this book not only relatable but also incredibly validating. It captures what so many children and their families go through in a system that doesn’t always see or support them.

The depiction of Liam’s struggles is heart-wrenching, yet never exploitative. You feel his pain, his silence, and his loneliness. At the same time, you feel the weight of responsibility on Walraven’s shoulders as a teacher who refuses to ignore a child in need. It would have been easier to look the other way, as so many do, but instead she leans in with compassion, creativity, and courage. Her refusal to give up on Liam is nothing short of inspiring.

What makes LIAM truly stand out is how it demonstrates the importance of looking beyond behavior and academic performance. Walraven shows that connection must come before correction, and that every child has a story worth understanding. Her journey with Liam is not just about education it’s about healing, trust, and allowing someone to finally be seen.

This book is an absolute must read for educators, counselors, and parents alike. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. LIAM is a shining example of how love and dedication can change a life forever.

[C. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading LIAM was a deeply emotional experience that touched my heart in unexpected ways. R. Janet Walraven writes with such authenticity that it feels less like reading a book and more like sitting across from her as she recounts a life-changing chapter of her teaching career. Liam’s pain, confusion, and isolation are palpable, but so too is the author’s compassion and determination to reach him.

What makes this book so powerful is its realism. Walraven doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties she shows the frustration, the setbacks, and the exhaustion of working within an education system that often fails to support both teachers and students with unique needs. Yet, amid that struggle, she finds ways to nurture hope. The slow unfolding of trust between teacher and student is one of the most beautiful arcs I’ve ever read in nonfiction.

The book is a tribute to empathy and the magic that can happen when we see potential instead of problems. Every educator should read this as a reminder that teaching is about much more than academic it’s about reaching hearts and changing lives. The moments of breakthrough in this story are pure gold.

I finished LIAM in tears, but with a full heart. It’s rare to find a story that so perfectly balances heartbreak with hope. Walraven’s courage to tell this true story will inspire anyone who has ever faced overwhelming odds and still chosen to care.

[Marina Osipova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational
This book! It was such an uplifting experience! I think every teacher, every parent, should read LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down. Not just should—MUST. This is a short book, but its content is worth of tomes. “No children are bad.” How about that? You will be surprised how many times the word love is used in this story-50! Words caring/to care, heart, understand/understanding, hope are framing the story of Liam, the boy who is different but . . . I don’t want to give away too much or it will rob you of the joy you’ll experience while reading this important book. I’ve had good teachers in my school, but the story of LIAM told me there can be even better ones, more compassionate and sacrificial who fully dedicate themselves to teaching children the good and humanism. I wish I had such a teacher in my life. Through her book, the author gives a lesson of empathy, full attention, and, most important, unconditional dedication to her cause. I read the book in two sittings, totally abstract from tasks of my everyday life. What do I feel? Gratitude that SUCH TEACHERS do exist. Thank you, R. Janet Walraven, for this wonderful lesson! I don’t remember a book a read that would be so inspiring, bringing hope, and paving the road to understanding children. The encouragement “highly recommended” is not adequate enough for this wonderful story.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club chose LIAM for its focus on education and empathy, but we were unprepared for just how powerful it would be. By the end, nearly everyone was in tears and deeply moved. This book isn’t just a story about a student and his teacher; it’s a story about resilience, patience, and the quiet heroism that exists in everyday classrooms.

What stood out most to our group was the emotional honesty. Liam’s struggles are depicted with such care and authenticity that you can’t help but feel protective of him. Janet Walraven’s role as both narrator and compassionate mentor adds depth and intimacy to every chapter. Her courage to share the challenges, setbacks, and victories of one extraordinary student is what makes this book timeless.

We spent hours discussing how LIAM reflects the realities of today’s schools how children can fall through the cracks unless someone like Janet steps in. This story reminded us that change doesn’t happen through systems alone; it happens through people.

If you want a story that will move your heart, inspire reflection, and remind you what real compassion looks like, LIAM is a must-read. It’s more than a memoir it’s a testament to the power of belief.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime teacher, LIAM hit me in the heart like few books ever have. R. Janet Walraven doesn’t just tell a story she holds up a mirror to every educator who has ever seen the quiet child at the back of the room and wondered what hidden battles they were fighting. Liam’s story is raw, honest, and deeply moving.

What stands out most is how Janet captures the complexity of being a teacher who cares too much that exhausting, beautiful, relentless drive to reach a student no one else has managed to connect with. The scenes of Liam’s isolation and eventual transformation were so vivid that I found myself cheering through tears.

This isn’t just a book about one boy’s struggle with bullying or learning challenges. It’s about human connection, compassion, and what happens when someone refuses to give up on another person. Every educator, parent, or counselor should read this. It reminded me why I chose this profession to make a difference, even when no one else is watching.

LIAM isn’t just inspiring it’s necessary. I closed the last page feeling humbled, heartbroken, and hopeful all at once.

[Gorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are stories that entertain, and then there are stories that matter. LIAM falls firmly in the second category. R. Janet Walraven writes with such authenticity that I often forgot I was reading a book it felt like sitting in her classroom, watching this quiet miracle unfold.

What makes LIAM remarkable is its blend of compassion and courage. Janet doesn’t shy away from the hard parts the bullying, the frustration, the moments of doubt. But through it all, she shows that one person’s belief can change the entire course of another’s life. Liam’s struggles are painful to witness, but his progress feels like watching a flower bloom through concrete.

The prose is simple but powerful. Every sentence carries emotional weight, and the lessons extend far beyond the classroom. It’s a story about empathy, perseverance, and the quiet power of love in action.

I closed the book feeling renewed faith in humanity. In a world that often moves too fast to notice those who fall behind, LIAM is a reminder to stop, look closer, and never underestimate the difference one heart can make.

[Baikinf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down after a fellow parent recommended it, and I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would move me. As a mother of a child who has struggled in school, I saw so much of our experience reflected here the frustration, the fear, the endless meetings with teachers who didn’t “get it.”

Janet Walraven gets it. Her compassion shines through every page. She writes not just as an educator but as someone who truly listens and believes in a child’s potential when others see only problems. Liam’s journey from withdrawn, misunderstood boy to a student who finds his voice and strength is nothing short of extraordinary.

This book is a wake-up call to parents, teachers, and administrators everywhere: children like Liam don’t need to be “fixed” they need to be seen. The author’s honesty and hope make this one of the most emotionally powerful books I’ve read this year. It’s tender, real, and unforgettable.

By the end, I wasn’t just reading about Liam I was rooting for every child who has ever felt invisible.

[Kendall Monreo · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down is more than a memoir; it’s a wake-up call wrapped in a story of courage, heartbreak, and hope.

What struck me most is how Janet captures Liam’s world with such clarity; his upside-down drawings, his struggles to be understood, and his quiet resilience in the face of constant misunderstanding. These moments remind us that what looks like “difficulty” on the surface can actually be extraordinary perception waiting to be recognized.

The lessons are unforgettable:

Compassion in the classroom isn’t optional; it’s transformative.

One teacher’s voice can disrupt a cycle of silence and neglect.

Every child deserves to be seen for their potential, not their struggles.

This book doesn’t just tell Liam’s story; it calls on us to reimagine education itself. It’s a must-read for teachers, parents, and advocates who believe learning should heal, not harm. Janet has given us more than a memoir; she’s handed us a mirror and a mandate.

Unflinching, hopeful, and deeply human; this is a book I won’t forget.

Kendall Monreo

[Daniel A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIAM is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. As an educator, I found myself deeply moved by R. Janet Walraven’s compassion, persistence, and dedication to truly seeing her students as individuals. Liam’s journey from isolation and misunderstanding to self-discovery and empowerment is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of our education system the bureaucracy, the indifference, the gaps but she shows what can happen when one teacher refuses to give up. This book reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place. Every student deserves a champion, and every teacher deserves the reminder that one act of genuine care can change a life forever. I recommend this to all educators, parents, and anyone who believes in the power of human connection and compassion.

[Michael S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At its center is Liam, a teenager burdened with invisible struggles that most of the world chooses not to see. He cannot read, cannot write, hardly speaks, and has become a ghost in his own classroom. Misunderstood, ignored, and relentlessly bullied, Liam could have easily been one of countless children who fall through the cracks. But what sets this story apart is the presence of one teacher; Walraven herself; who refuses to give up on him.
The writing is crisp and unpretentious, allowing the story to shine without artifice. Walraven's prose lets the emotional weight of each moment settle naturally with the reader. You feel the frustration, the small triumphs, the tears, and ultimately, the hope.

[Isabella Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It begins with a question every true educator has asked: What if no one else helps this child? From that moment, R. Janet Walraven crafts a story that is both deeply human and quietly heroic.

This book isn’t just about a student’s struggle; it’s about a teacher’s unwavering decision to see potential where others saw problems. Walraven captures the essence of mentorship and leadership: listening, believing, and guiding with heart.

Raw, moving, and beautifully told, this story reminds us that one person’s compassion can become another’s turning point. It lingers long after the final page; every educator and parent should read this at least once in their lifetime.

[Shopia Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIAM is the kind of story that stays with you forever. It’s real, raw, and deeply moving. R. Janet Walraven writes with such honesty and compassion that you can feel her heart on every page.

This true story of a boy who faced rejection, bullying, and silence; and the teacher who refused to give up on him; reminds us what love, patience, and understanding can do. It’s heartbreaking and inspiring all at once.

Every teacher, parent, and student should read this book. It will open your eyes, touch your heart, and remind you that one act of kindness can change a life forever.

[Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher needs this book
As a retired teacher of 25 years, I found myself nodding through every chapter. Liam’s story broke my heart and lifted it at the same time. I’ve had students like him, the ones who slip through the cracks until someone finally refuses to give up. R. Janet Walraven reminded me why I started teaching in the first place. This book isn’t just inspiring; it’s essential.

[Barry Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIAM is unforgettable. As a random reader, I was drawn into the raw, heart-wrenching reality of a boy misunderstood by the world; and the teacher who refused to give up on him. This isn’t just a story about education; it’s about hope, resilience, and the quiet power of one person who sees potential where others see problems. I laughed, I cried, and I closed the book inspired. Truly rare and deeply human.

[Emmanuel John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet, LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down is more than a story; it’s an experience. You bring readers so close to Liam’s world that we can feel his pain, confusion, and quiet strength. Your compassion shines through every page, revealing the heart of a teacher who refuses to give up on a child others overlooked. It’s raw, real, and deeply inspiring. You didn’t just write about hope; you breathed it into this book.

[Saphira Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story of Hope, Compassion, and the Power of One Caring Teacher
This book broke my heart and then pieced it back together. Liam’s story is raw and real, but it’s also filled with hope. Walraven captures the emotional complexity of working with children who’ve been misunderstood and cast aside. Her commitment to reaching Liam—when everyone else had given up—shows the life-changing difference one person can make. I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I turned the last page.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is more than a story; it’s a mirror held up to every heart that’s ever been overlooked or underestimated. R. Janet Walraven writes with rare tenderness and truth, reminding us that one act of genuine belief can rewrite an entire life. Poignant, powerful, and deeply human; this is the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page.

[Adams Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story! It reminded me why compassion and patience are the strongest tools in education. The author’s storytelling is so vivid that I felt like I was right there in the classroom. It’s not just a story about teaching, it’s a story about humanity, courage, and hope.

[Shannon Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed. I loved the accurate portrayal of relationships and the characters that felt really real

[Matt Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. Liam’s story will stay with me for a long time; equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting.