Mrs. A: Taking Andy from Zero to Hero

by Bindu Mayi

Andy hated school more than any normal seventh grader should and being a victim of bullying didn’t make it any better. When he goes from being a bully victim to the aggressor, his mother threatens to withdraw him from school and takes him to work with her, where he meets Mrs. A, his mother's employer. Through her kindness, dedication and wisdom, Mrs. A helps Andy undergo a slow and steady transformation, which is reflected in his schoolwork. When Mrs. A dies from a bad infection, Andy is faced with a tremendous challenge that could very well make him regress to his old ways. Will Andy use what Mrs. A had taught him and rise above the bullies of the world? Will he learn to keep his mind on the goal and make a difference?

"This is an engaging story that relates to all adolescents," said Judy Dempsey, Head of School, Summit-Questa Montessori School. "This story captures your attention and you begin to care about the characters as if they were part of your own family. In the process, you are also gaining valuable knowledge about health and adolescent issues."
Dr. Jane L. Burns, Infectious Disease expert said, "Mrs. A is a compelling story and gives up-to-date information on an increasingly important bacterial Methicillin Resistant Staph."

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2016

About the author

I am a Professor of Microbiology at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). I teach courses in virology and bacteriology, with emphasis on the medical aspects of infectious disease, for students in the medical, public health, and other allied health fields. I fell into teaching quite by accident, but it is one of the most joyful experiences of my life. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am involved in efforts to promote public health. I do this with the help of my blog (drmayi.com) and by giving interviews on diseases relevant to public health. I have been a spokesperson for NSU on Zika virus infection as well as sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and re-emerging infections such as measles.
I am especially passionate about prevention of infectious diseases and have tried to globalize my efforts at prevention by writing a book about prevention of MRSA. It’s titled 'MRS. A' and is a multi-generational narrative about MRSA woven into the fictional struggles of a bullied middle schooler, who turns his life around with the help of a mentor.
My second book is about the bully from my first book. In 'SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE,' I dealt with school shootings and real world solutions to this horrific problem. In the words of Dr. Scott Poland, first responder at Columbine, and National school violence responder and prevention trainer: "A timely masterpiece as we all search for solutions to school violence. This book is a must read for educators, parents, and students in today’s world."
I write because it is cathartic, I write because I feel that the knowledge I have can truly improve lives. Please let me know your thoughts about my books. If you have any questions about the material, feel free to ask me. It is my honor to have you read what I have written and I would be thrilled to respond to any queries you may have.
Sincerely,
Bindu

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down until I read the whole thing. It's a good thing I don't work early in the morning. ;)
Bindu has written a beautiful story in a way that I believe can encourage and motivate many people, even those who are already motivated and pursuing goals. For those who are suffering in life and feeling that everyone and everything is against them, I feel this story can open your mind to see how you can take control of your situation and turn things around so that you stop being a victim of society. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for inspiration or to share with young people who have yet to discover their own power and could use some extra help.

[John and Linda Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a must read in middle schools across America. Not only is it a great read for students, but is a wonderful reminder to principals, teachers, and guidance councilors, that every student has a story to tell, and as educational professionals it is our job to reach every last one of them. Even kids like Andy.
I can see schools using this book, not only in language arts classes, but as a springboard into many different cross-curricular activities. From: Anti-bullying campaigns and goal-setting, to science classes and social studies.
Dr. Mayi does a fantastic job breathing life into the characters in this book. You feel the pain and struggles that Andy goes through. Everyone will fall in love with Mrs. A. Throughout this book you will catch yourself pondering how your own personal life would have been different if you had a mentor like, "Mrs. A" to guide you.

- John Woodall Voted, "Educator of the Year" by South Florida Council for Learning Disabilities on June 5th, 1996Bindu Mayi

[Lakshmi Ashwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs.A is a book that tells a beautiful story interlaced with essential life lessons and facts about an often over-looked infectious disease. The story gives hope and conveys that anyone can turn around their life by following few simple steps. Goal setting, discipline, staying focused without distractions are things we want to achieve but find challenging. Mrs.A teaches that it's all attainable when taught with love. I think it's a book every parent must have their child read (I have in fact told the story to my 5 year old) as it brings out many aspects of school and growing up that our children may be facing. To treat children with respect and to not disregard their opinions is conveyed so beautifully through this story. Also, having been a researcher myself I am aware of how infectious diseases are beginning to pose a serious threat mainly due to antibiotic overuse and emerging multidrug resistant strains. The facts on MRSA are provided in simple laymen terms through the story and is highly informative. Finally I really appreciate the messages on forgiving and letting go.

[Balakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how Dr. Mayi has attempted to rekindle childrens' faith in goodness and innocence. Also loved the subtle suggestion that choosing to do good regardless of the circumstances is always the best option.

In addition, this book also raises awareness of a public health issue that is completely below the radar at this point.

[Heather Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Felt Mrs A was a terrific read. With inspiration for the teen who likes to read great stories about life's ups and downs, and overall success you can achieve, myself and my teenage son were really moved and inspired by Mrs A!
Heather, Devon Lewis

[Leta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Mrs. A!! A book that reaches out to a broad spectrum of readers. Important lessons in life as well as valuable knowledge are woven together seamlessly. A FIRST RATE READ.

[Ella Kogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity and privilege to read the book by Dr. Bindu Mayi called “MRS A.”
Has anyone had a chance to read it yet? The book is written for the adolescent. Yet, I would say and strongly recommend it for parents, teachers, and for all of us in general. The book is about Bullying and MRSA - ( a deadly bacteria in some people, if not treated). The book touches on so many important subjects. The importance of how our words and actions impact our kids down the road.
We need to reach, teach, and mentor our kids so they attain their own sense of understanding that doing the right thing sometimes is not so easy.
Thank you Dr. Bindu for giving us a great book to read and a lesson on MRSA. Kudos

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for students, teachers, parents, and health professionals. The story is both informative and touching. The relationship between Andy and Mrs. A. is developed as the reader follows Andy on his journey through self-discovery and personal development. In addition, the reader gains a basic understanding of MRSA. Dr. Mayi is a gifted writer and storyteller.

[Fernanda Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for you to read and to gift to others. Any child who reads it will learn about goal setting and how to study better, without realizing it. All readers will see the power of kindness and the impact an adult can make when they step up to help children. This is a MUST READ.

[Sachin Mayi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Andy can do it, anyone can. A great inspiration and must read for everyone. I love this book.

[Kathy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous read! So much to take away at every level for any age. A must read for middle school! Loved it!

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so touched when I read Bindu Mayi's "Mrs. A" that I couldn't put the book down. I was suspicious at first when I read on the back cover about a novel with some infectious diseases facts ... I thought: "Hmm! How is Dr. Mayi gonna do that without making the novel boring or too medical?" Well, not only did she make "Mrs. A" an informative book, the story is captivating and heartfelt until the very end. I was crying at times, I was mad at other times, and in my opinion, when readers feel any of these emotions, that's a good sign of a great author. I liked the book so much that I decided to buy five additional copies to give my close friends for them to enjoy.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been able to read a book from cover to cover in one sitting. Honestly, I could not stop reading. This book has everything I want in a book plus so much more. It’s a story about life lessons, love and knowledge. The characters come alive from the beginning. The story about Andy’s struggles are real and the lessons he learns can be applied to everyone. The book taught me about an infectious disease and the facts I wasn’t aware existed. It made me cry, smile and gave me hope. The book inspired me to be a Mrs. A. I’m sharing this book and the knowledge within. This should be a must read for all schools and parents.

[Paul V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. A (Taking Andy from Zero to Hero) is an intriguing story full of captivating characters and a plot filled with action, mystery, and education as it address issues surrounding adolescents and MRSA--a staph infection affecting millions every year. Mrs. A is a strenuous protagonist, and readers will be glued to the pages as they follow Andy’s physical and psychological development from puberty to adulthood as they race through the pages to see how it all ends.

[Wendy Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and should be required reading for all middle school children, although I thoroughly enjoyed as an adult. A positive spin on bullying as well as quite informative, teaching one all about symptoms of MRSA.

[Rochelle Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching. Beautiful. Inspirational. These are just a few of the words to describe this wonderful book. It should be required reading for every school across the country. Mrs. A comes into young Andy's life in a time of great need. Her kindness and motivation change the course of his young life while bringing to light the dangers of an infectious disease. I loved every second of this story. Highly recommend.