Because of You, This is Me: The stories we tell, the stories we change and the power of Everyday Heroes

by Jaz Ampaw-Farr

Growing up in poverty, and neglected and abused by her own mother and stepfather, Jaz Ampaw-Farr was destined to become a statistic. Her story was changed, however, by five teachers who made a point of putting human connection first, despite the challenges of the education system. Because of these people, Jaz went on to become a teacher, writer and award-winning international speaker who, through celebration and provocation, engages educators and galvanises them into embracing the difference that they can make when they, too, put being a human first. In Because of You, This is Me Jaz shares her story – often harrowing but always uplifting – to show how the everyday heroes in our schools can transform the lives of the children who need their help the most. It's easy to feel disillusioned in an exhausting education system, but Jaz's celebration of teachers is a tangible reminder that their small actions have a profound impact on the students in their care. With practical tools and thoughtful reflection points, this remarkable book will help teachers stay energised and focused and reinvigorate their passion for education. Essential reading for all educators. **Trigger This book addresses themes of child abuse and neglect, which may be upsetting or triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know has been affected by similar issues, please take care when reading and consider seeking support.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2025

Reviews

[Michaela Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Jaz speaking at a work event which inspired me to buy her book. I wasn’t disappointed. This is her story of being a neglected and abused child who found a refuge at school. Although she describes what happened to her as a child, she doesn’t focus on this. She focuses on the individual teachers who made a difference - who she calls ‘everyday heroes’ and challenges us to emulate. She explains how things looked from her perspective, how her behaviour at school reflected her trauma and how different people reacted to that. She is rightly critical of many unsupportive things that happen at secondary school. She gives insights into why children don’t always disclose issues and the difficulties of ‘escaping’. The overall message is that building consistent and positive relationships is the most important thing.

[Matt Peet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Because of You, This Is Me by Jaz Ampaw-Farr

This is a truly transformational book — one that doesn’t just inspire, but changes the way you see yourself, your purpose, and the difference you can make.

Jaz Ampaw-Farr’s story is raw, courageous, and profoundly human. Through her words, you feel the lasting impact of the individuals who saw her potential, believed in her worth, and changed the course of her life through compassion and connection. It’s a powerful reminder that the smallest acts of belief can shape a child’s entire story.

For me, this book has been genuinely life-shaping. It has guided my leadership journey and reaffirmed what matters most — that being human first is not optional, it’s essential. The relationships we build, the way we listen with empathy, and the belief we hold for every child are at the heart of what we do.

Ever since meeting Jaz over ten years ago — and several times since — I’ve carried her message with me. She gave me the courage to follow my lighthouse — an analogy that has become a golden thread through my leadership: guiding and being guided by the light. Her influence helped me quiet the imposter syndrome, confront self-doubt, and recognise that leadership isn’t about status or privilege (despite my own privilege as a white male) — it’s about authenticity, courage, and service.

Jaz taught me to lead with heart, and because of her, my goal every single day is to empower children: to offer them a sanctuary where they truly belong, where their individuality and uniqueness are celebrated. I want them to fly — to find their own light and follow it fearlessly.

Jaz Ampaw-Farr is, without question, my Everyday Hero. She gave me belief when I didn’t have it, and for that, I will always be grateful. Because of You, This Is Me isn’t just a book — it’s a beacon of hope and humanity for everyone who strives to lead, teach, and live with purpose.

[Gisela Olsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing Jaz has not written a sob story , she has written a powerful and celebratory autobiography about the difference five hardworking, compassionate and reliable teachers did in here life, when most adults failed her.

You can tell that this is not the first time she tells this story, she has shared it not only with her therapists and trusted people but with thousands of teachers around the world.

My impression is that this is what processed and healed trauma looks like.

She is not bitter, she is not vengeful, she is telling her story as she remembers it and the parts she is ready to share. She tells it as the emotionally mature adult she is, with warmth, humour and honesty.

My suggestion is that every single adult read this book, not only is Jaz a seasoned storyteller, her message is deeply needed and a call to all of us to be human first as the five teachers in her life were.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, thought-provoking, impactful, life-changing. This book was recommended on a webinar about care experienced young people. Having just finished this honest, often harrowing and gut-wrenching but uplifting and inspiring book, I recognised my own contributions to possibly be a young person's Everyday Hero. Jaz has written a book that empowers everyone...every survivor, every teacher, every pastoral staff member, and every adult working with young people, friends, and family that turn up. The reflections are the most powerful part of this book for me, the small changes I can make to be the Everyday Hero. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, disheartened, but still turns up every day because of the children and young people. This may be the injection or top-up of passion you need.

[Emily Westaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after hearing Jaz speak at the summer conference for my trust of schools. She was absolutely incredible and her story blew me away, I left the talk in tears and had to buy her book there and then. I’ve just finished her book which is just as incredible and inspiring as her key note speech was. It has made me feel so inspired as to the impact I can make to the lives of tiny humans in my care. I feel so privileged to be an ‘Everyday Hero’ like she describes. I’ll be recommending this to every teacher I know! An easy 5 star!

[bethevangeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful reminder of the impact teachers and educators can have, especially for children who are living with adversity, trauma, or even abuse. For many, school is the one safe place where they encounter hope, consistency, and belief in their potential.

As teachers, we may never fully see the difference we make — but we are everyday heroes.
Sometimes the smallest act of kindness, a listening ear, or simply showing up can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

[nikki leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thought provoking, inspirational read. I cried, I gasped, I smiled and I cried some more, a truly awesome inspiring read, it made me think of my own heroes and their place in my life. Well worth a read, no holes barred.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaz was a Keynote speaker at a work conference I attended recently. I was one of the lucky ones who received her book in a goodie bag. Her speech was phenomenal and the book equally so. It is harrowing and sad but also wonderfully positive.

[Leah Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has made me feel so inspired for the upcoming academic year. This is not a sob story but please be aware of the triggers within this book.

[Trey Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Jaz, with her characteristic double cocktail of truth and humour. How she does it, I do not know. Written like she speaks it, guarantee to encourage, inspire, and challenge.

[Charlotte Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring read.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not have known about or picked this up of I had not had the extreme pleasure of seeing Jaz speak at the FIRE conference in Cincinnati in October 2025.
She is exceptional. Period.

[Mary Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every teacher especially when they feel they are struggling- all everyday heroes every one because you show up everyday

[Amanda Slaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful, powerful life story of how our interactions can leave an imprint on the lives of those around us.