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Be the One: Six True Stories of Teens Overcoming Hardship with Hope
Emmy Award–winning ABC News chief national correspondent and Nightline coanchor, Byron Pitts shares the heartbreaking and inspiring stories of six young people who overcame impossible circumstances with extraordinary perseverance.
Abuse.
Bullying.
War.
Drug Addiction.
Mental Illness.
Violence.
None of these should be realities for anyone, much less a young person. But for some it is the only reality they have ever known. In these dark circumstances, six teens needed someone to “be the one” for them—the hero to help them back into the light. For Tania, Mason, Pappy, Michaela, Ryan, and Tyton, that hero was themselves. Through stirring interviews and his award-winning storytelling, Byron Pitts brings the struggles and triumphs of these everyday heroes to teens just like them, encouraging all of us to be the source of inspiration in our own lives and to appreciate the lives of others around us.
Abuse.
Bullying.
War.
Drug Addiction.
Mental Illness.
Violence.
None of these should be realities for anyone, much less a young person. But for some it is the only reality they have ever known. In these dark circumstances, six teens needed someone to “be the one” for them—the hero to help them back into the light. For Tania, Mason, Pappy, Michaela, Ryan, and Tyton, that hero was themselves. Through stirring interviews and his award-winning storytelling, Byron Pitts brings the struggles and triumphs of these everyday heroes to teens just like them, encouraging all of us to be the source of inspiration in our own lives and to appreciate the lives of others around us.
128 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2018
23 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 9, 2022
Content warning: several counts of child r*pe, a graphic depiction of torture that children are held at gunpoint and forced to watch, several counts of gun violence, several counts of attempted suicide, several counts of child death/murder, death of adults
I’m confused. This book is marketed for middle-school children as young as twelve, according to the publisher’s notes on the back of the book. It’s presented as an optimistic, inspiring collection of “teens overcoming hardship.” This was more teens living through hell. Inside the front cover, Booklist praised it by labeling it “uplifting.” Did they read this? I wanted to throw up with every story.
As a teacher and someone involved in supporting the mental health of young people, this book fails at its objective. As a previous reviewer noted, each story feels rushed. Unpacking trauma is not something that can be compacted into a tidy 15-18 pages. Each story focused more on the hardships than the healing and recovery.
There was absolutely no need to include the graphic descriptions of violence, which put it far outside the range of appropriate content for any middle-school student. Some might argue that the children featured were extremely young when they were exposed to their hells. Their age when exposed does not suggest that a graphic depiction of the trauma is necessary for a child to feel seen if they have experienced something similar. Additionally, if a child is recovering from one or more traumas, re-exposing them to a graphic depiction of what they experienced can trigger PTSD symptoms. Additionally, there is nothing to suggest the severity of content based on the book’s introduction or synopsis, and it caught me (and one of my students) off guard. Why did Byron Pitts make the choices he did?
I want to be clear in saying that I believe the traumas children face should be discussed. Children should be able to see that they are not alone, that there is help, that there is recovery when life gives you the worst it can offer. But this collection does not serve to support the children who are in recovery. In fact, I’m concerned about the message of most of the stories: work your butt off to overcompensate for what you’ve been through and go to college. While one individual featured noted briefly college is not for everyone, he was referencing someone else, and his success was also tied to college. I feel the underlying theme could be inadvertently discouraging to students who are in the middle of struggling.
This brings me to my last point, which perhaps is my greatest disappointment and anger with this book.
Despite dealing with many of the hardest things in life, the author’s note at the end is brief. Pitts repeats the question he poses at the end of each chapter: “Where do you go, where do you hide, when the world hurts too much? Hopefully, you have a place.” After a few additional lines about how this could be physical, emotional, or psychological and how each child featured “have all found a safe place, a constructive place,” Pitts closes with, “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Stay forever optimistic.”
Perhaps that wouldn’t enrage me as much if the resources page at the end wasn’t as ignorantly and macabrely brief as it was. It included three resources.
Three.
The Crisis Text Line (741741)
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Finder (findtreatment.samhsa.gov)
StopBullying.gov
Um, what?
What about resources for homeless children, a plight which was featured in the book? What about resources for eating disorders, which was presented in the second narrative? What about refugee services? What about a list of next steps to take if (fill in the blank)? What about shelters for abused children? What about help sites related to processing the loss of a loved one? What about health sites for those struggling with one of the many illnesses presented (diabetes, MS, schizophrenia, bipolar, cancer, just to name a few)? What about some notes on how to find a safe adult to talk to?
Three help resources, and three works of fiction starring teens overcoming hardships, and this “inspiring” and “uplifting” collection ends. There should have been an entire chapter at the bare minimum with a detailed index of “places to go when the world hurts too much.” What an abject failure for what this book hoped to do.
This book does not support my students, and I will be filling my limited classroom bookshelves with better resources.
I’m confused. This book is marketed for middle-school children as young as twelve, according to the publisher’s notes on the back of the book. It’s presented as an optimistic, inspiring collection of “teens overcoming hardship.” This was more teens living through hell. Inside the front cover, Booklist praised it by labeling it “uplifting.” Did they read this? I wanted to throw up with every story.
As a teacher and someone involved in supporting the mental health of young people, this book fails at its objective. As a previous reviewer noted, each story feels rushed. Unpacking trauma is not something that can be compacted into a tidy 15-18 pages. Each story focused more on the hardships than the healing and recovery.
There was absolutely no need to include the graphic descriptions of violence, which put it far outside the range of appropriate content for any middle-school student. Some might argue that the children featured were extremely young when they were exposed to their hells. Their age when exposed does not suggest that a graphic depiction of the trauma is necessary for a child to feel seen if they have experienced something similar. Additionally, if a child is recovering from one or more traumas, re-exposing them to a graphic depiction of what they experienced can trigger PTSD symptoms. Additionally, there is nothing to suggest the severity of content based on the book’s introduction or synopsis, and it caught me (and one of my students) off guard. Why did Byron Pitts make the choices he did?
I want to be clear in saying that I believe the traumas children face should be discussed. Children should be able to see that they are not alone, that there is help, that there is recovery when life gives you the worst it can offer. But this collection does not serve to support the children who are in recovery. In fact, I’m concerned about the message of most of the stories: work your butt off to overcompensate for what you’ve been through and go to college. While one individual featured noted briefly college is not for everyone, he was referencing someone else, and his success was also tied to college. I feel the underlying theme could be inadvertently discouraging to students who are in the middle of struggling.
This brings me to my last point, which perhaps is my greatest disappointment and anger with this book.
Despite dealing with many of the hardest things in life, the author’s note at the end is brief. Pitts repeats the question he poses at the end of each chapter: “Where do you go, where do you hide, when the world hurts too much? Hopefully, you have a place.” After a few additional lines about how this could be physical, emotional, or psychological and how each child featured “have all found a safe place, a constructive place,” Pitts closes with, “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Stay forever optimistic.”
Perhaps that wouldn’t enrage me as much if the resources page at the end wasn’t as ignorantly and macabrely brief as it was. It included three resources.
Three.
The Crisis Text Line (741741)
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Finder (findtreatment.samhsa.gov)
StopBullying.gov
Um, what?
What about resources for homeless children, a plight which was featured in the book? What about resources for eating disorders, which was presented in the second narrative? What about refugee services? What about a list of next steps to take if (fill in the blank)? What about shelters for abused children? What about help sites related to processing the loss of a loved one? What about health sites for those struggling with one of the many illnesses presented (diabetes, MS, schizophrenia, bipolar, cancer, just to name a few)? What about some notes on how to find a safe adult to talk to?
Three help resources, and three works of fiction starring teens overcoming hardships, and this “inspiring” and “uplifting” collection ends. There should have been an entire chapter at the bare minimum with a detailed index of “places to go when the world hurts too much.” What an abject failure for what this book hoped to do.
This book does not support my students, and I will be filling my limited classroom bookshelves with better resources.
February 20, 2018
This book was hard to read. It's short and each chapter is about a different teen who has had to overcome hardship in their young life. I guess it I didn't like it because the front cover said it's a story of hope, but really the whole book concentrated on the awful parts of the teens life. It just missed the mark for me. Also reviewed on kissthebook blog
December 18, 2017
Be the One is an outstanding book about six teenagers that fight for a good life. The author of this book is a journalist that has met these people and heard their stories in person. Some of these stories can be a little heavy but they still show true leadership in life. These kids have experienced bullying, war, violence, and other actions. Some of these stories are sad and depressing but most of this book is inspiration for young readers who read this book.
Be the One is an unforgettable book but at the same time it can be violent. Some of the stories people can relate, like bullying. One of the boys gets bullied and works hard and becomes strong enough to take on the bullies and have pride for themselves. Bullying is something lots of kids go through and his story is absolutely something that kids should look up to. There are some stories about teenagers and some are about children. I mainly enjoyed the stories about younger kids because I could somehow relate to them and understand how hard things were for them.
I did recommend reading this book because it will teach you how lucky you are to be alive today. It will also teach you to be strong and to keep trying. Children especially read Be the One because it can show them things that they might need in the future. Be the One is a book that everyone should read and everyone should learn from.
Be the One is an unforgettable book but at the same time it can be violent. Some of the stories people can relate, like bullying. One of the boys gets bullied and works hard and becomes strong enough to take on the bullies and have pride for themselves. Bullying is something lots of kids go through and his story is absolutely something that kids should look up to. There are some stories about teenagers and some are about children. I mainly enjoyed the stories about younger kids because I could somehow relate to them and understand how hard things were for them.
I did recommend reading this book because it will teach you how lucky you are to be alive today. It will also teach you to be strong and to keep trying. Children especially read Be the One because it can show them things that they might need in the future. Be the One is a book that everyone should read and everyone should learn from.
March 21, 2018
Be the one is a very inspiring book, if makes you feel you can achieve so many things just like these kids in the book that were their own hero. I feel that this book taught me a lot and helped me understand how a lot of kids are not as fortunate as we are.
This book took place in 6 different kid's lives. Each section was about each kid and their life story. The whole tone of this book is kind of sad because these kids grew up with such a horrific childhood. This book inspires me to not judge people by their cover. A lot of people may seem selfish or shy on the outside but really on the inside they just feel they don't have a place to fit in. You should get to now someone before you go judging them. They probably had a harder childhood than you. In the end of this book it inspired me to be my own hero, stick up for yourself and don't let where you came from bring you down.
I thought this book was really good because it is inspiring kids all over to be their own hero. The author really shined the main idea through in all the stories of the 6 kids. This is such a powerful book and I hope a lot of people can learn from this book. One thing I really liked about the book was how it gave so many examples. 6 different stories about 6 different people and their childhoods. I think it was really smart to include all the stories so you could get different point of views.
Overall I feel this book has taught me a lot. This book is very motivating to make a change and be a hero. I recommend this book to everyone, even older people because no matter how old you are you can always learn something new. This stories could inspire even an 100 year old and teach them so many things.
This book took place in 6 different kid's lives. Each section was about each kid and their life story. The whole tone of this book is kind of sad because these kids grew up with such a horrific childhood. This book inspires me to not judge people by their cover. A lot of people may seem selfish or shy on the outside but really on the inside they just feel they don't have a place to fit in. You should get to now someone before you go judging them. They probably had a harder childhood than you. In the end of this book it inspired me to be my own hero, stick up for yourself and don't let where you came from bring you down.
I thought this book was really good because it is inspiring kids all over to be their own hero. The author really shined the main idea through in all the stories of the 6 kids. This is such a powerful book and I hope a lot of people can learn from this book. One thing I really liked about the book was how it gave so many examples. 6 different stories about 6 different people and their childhoods. I think it was really smart to include all the stories so you could get different point of views.
Overall I feel this book has taught me a lot. This book is very motivating to make a change and be a hero. I recommend this book to everyone, even older people because no matter how old you are you can always learn something new. This stories could inspire even an 100 year old and teach them so many things.
March 20, 2018
Pitts, Byron Be the One, 119 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2017. $18. Content: Language: G; Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: R.
ABC News Correspondent Byron Pitts tells the story of six teens who have overcome hardships in their lives. He tells about the hardships of each of the teens which includes: rape, being bullied, caring for mentally ill parents, living in war torn countries, and the death of loved ones. As each youth tries to persevere, Pitts asks each teen “Where do you go when the world hurts too much?” They find hope and peace through art, their families or in other small ways.
The book has an introduction that explains why Pitts wrote this book, then six different chapters on each of the teens. At the end there is an author’s note where he expresses his desire for youth to keep trying. There is also a list of helplines that youth can use. The teens stories felt rushed. I didn’t feel like I was able to get to know the individuals, so their hardships seemed to be what stood our more than the hope that they found. It’s a very sad read, but teens need to learn what other kids are going through so they can be empathetic and not bully others. That said, the violence includes a child who watches his uncle being tortured and it’s very graphic and gruesome. The rapes also happen to very little kids and although it’s not detailed it’s upsetting.
HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
ABC News Correspondent Byron Pitts tells the story of six teens who have overcome hardships in their lives. He tells about the hardships of each of the teens which includes: rape, being bullied, caring for mentally ill parents, living in war torn countries, and the death of loved ones. As each youth tries to persevere, Pitts asks each teen “Where do you go when the world hurts too much?” They find hope and peace through art, their families or in other small ways.
The book has an introduction that explains why Pitts wrote this book, then six different chapters on each of the teens. At the end there is an author’s note where he expresses his desire for youth to keep trying. There is also a list of helplines that youth can use. The teens stories felt rushed. I didn’t feel like I was able to get to know the individuals, so their hardships seemed to be what stood our more than the hope that they found. It’s a very sad read, but teens need to learn what other kids are going through so they can be empathetic and not bully others. That said, the violence includes a child who watches his uncle being tortured and it’s very graphic and gruesome. The rapes also happen to very little kids and although it’s not detailed it’s upsetting.
HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
July 13, 2021
Every child or teen needs somebody to “Be The One”. This book demonstrates that through the heartbreaking and inspirational stories told by Byron Pitts. Pitts highlights the struggles of 6 teens that include: abuse, drug addiction, mental illness, and violence. In the telling of these stories, he shows that although the struggles may not be the same there is a hero in all of us.
This book opens your eyes to the struggle of teens. Many of the struggles are thought to be adult issues, but the reality they affect teens and young adults as well. In the book, Tania, Mason, Ryan, Tyton, Michaela, and Pappy all share their stories and give insight into who gave them hope and what inspired them to persevere. I found it interesting the different strategies used by the teens to survive.
I really liked this book. As a teacher in a small rural community, I think it is an important read for students. It is eye opening to the struggles suffered by many. I think it puts into perspective our own lives and struggles. This book also served as a reminder that every student has struggles. We don’t always know what our students are going through. It is important to be there for our kids. We never know when we will be the one to make a difference in the life of another.
This book opens your eyes to the struggle of teens. Many of the struggles are thought to be adult issues, but the reality they affect teens and young adults as well. In the book, Tania, Mason, Ryan, Tyton, Michaela, and Pappy all share their stories and give insight into who gave them hope and what inspired them to persevere. I found it interesting the different strategies used by the teens to survive.
I really liked this book. As a teacher in a small rural community, I think it is an important read for students. It is eye opening to the struggles suffered by many. I think it puts into perspective our own lives and struggles. This book also served as a reminder that every student has struggles. We don’t always know what our students are going through. It is important to be there for our kids. We never know when we will be the one to make a difference in the life of another.
August 14, 2017
Be the One is essentially based off six interviews/profiles by ABC News Correspondent Byron Pitts. I picked up an ARC (advance reader's copy) of this book at ALA Midwinter in January, and it's been my on-and-off purse book for awhile. I finally committed and finished it this weekend. Be the One is good for that because it's six separate stories of a child who overcomes. This is the kind of book that makes you sad and mad that he world is what it is, but also proud that the world is what it is -- because all six of these children overcome. It's a short inspirational read that reminds you that your own life is not so bad, and it really gave me hope for the younger generation and their power to overcome. I will be donating my copy in hopes that it inspires someone else to overcome any and all obstacles that are put in his or her way.
This review is also on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com....
This review is also on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com....
July 29, 2017
The writing isn't all that good. I was disapointed because he came across as an excellent speaker. Maybe he isn't used to writing for teens.
The result is that though the situations might be a bit adult, they're oversimplified beyond journalism into homogeny and the language is more middle grade than teen. The personalities of the teens in question seem secondary to the narrative for him, giving all the stories a type of terrible similarity despite the disparity of situations.
Rather than general teen nonfiction, this might suit better in the Christian Inspiration sections, given his emphasis on prayer and Christianity. It didn't feel like journalism, more like proselytizing. There are brave children and teens the world over, and not all of them are Christian.
The result is that though the situations might be a bit adult, they're oversimplified beyond journalism into homogeny and the language is more middle grade than teen. The personalities of the teens in question seem secondary to the narrative for him, giving all the stories a type of terrible similarity despite the disparity of situations.
Rather than general teen nonfiction, this might suit better in the Christian Inspiration sections, given his emphasis on prayer and Christianity. It didn't feel like journalism, more like proselytizing. There are brave children and teens the world over, and not all of them are Christian.
September 24, 2017
This is a disturbing book and one about overcoming insurmountable odds. Pitts writes the stories of six teens from around the world who have survived unspeakable hardships and have gone on to make something of their lives and not wallow in self-pity. I wanted to wallow is self-pity for them! I think this would be a good book for that teen who is dealing with family, health, or other major issues because it shows that others have faced that and worse and have not given up. This is a high school or older book.
March 12, 2019
I bought this book for my preteen and decided to read it myself as well. I enjoyed the short stories of various youngsters overcoming major obstacles and tragedies in this book. I wish the stories delved a bit deeper and allowed us to invest more with each individual. I do think this would be a good book for teens and preteens to read, especially as the problems of those that age seem so much bigger than they may be in reality and these stories may help give important perspective. Plus, it is a very short read, which teens with short attention spans should enjoy.
September 3, 2021
Buku bahasa inggris pertama yang aku baca sampe abis hehe. Seru aja bahasa inggrisnya ga terlalu susah. Oh iya di buku ini ada 6 cerita inspiratif tentang orang-orang yang ‘menderita’ tapi bisa bangkit dan jadi sukses atau di sini disebut ‘Be the One’. Cerita yang paling aku suka itu cerita ketiga, kerasa banget perjuangan tokoh utama di cerita ini, Pappy buat keluar dari daerah asalnya yang saat itu lagi kacau karena banyak teror. Semua ceritanya keren!!!
January 4, 2024
Six stories of Teens who share their experiences and what they have done to deal with their circumstances, in hope by speaking out they will be able to help others.
Another Non-Fiction read that I enjoyed. Young Teens who have such optimism in overcoming such difficult situations and predicaments, and the young adults they have matured into today.
Topics - Family Mental Illness, War, Poverty, Obesity, Bullying - just to name a few.
Another Non-Fiction read that I enjoyed. Young Teens who have such optimism in overcoming such difficult situations and predicaments, and the young adults they have matured into today.
Topics - Family Mental Illness, War, Poverty, Obesity, Bullying - just to name a few.
April 16, 2022
i first got this book in the 5th grade and i really love it and im so glad i was able to read such a life changing book. when i first picked it up i only assumed it would be nice but it has had such a big impact on me and im so forever grateful i got to know about 6 teenagers and how they overcame their problems.
July 3, 2022
I would suggest everyone who feel life is difficult is to read this book. I am sure it will give you motivation and inspiration that if they can go through such tough times you too shall be able to navigate through touch times. Our life is customized for us and we can navigate, stay blessed all. Thank for sharing these tru stories with us @Byron Pitts
June 9, 2017
A really quick read; most inspiring for and oriented to youth. Quotes that describe much of what the book presents:"Where do you go, where do you hide, when the world hurts too much?" "Facts don't change, but each of us has some control over our truths."
July 20, 2017
I absolutely loved this book!!! These stories are so inspirational and I ate this book up! It was so easy to read and I flew through it! Whether you are going through hardship or not, I think everyone should read this book. I am speechless after reading this book. Everyone should read this.
May 3, 2018
Interesting and inspiring, but something about the writing didn't move me. I can't quite put my finger on it except that the simplicity of the writing doesn't match the gravity of some of these teen's life struggles. Perhaps I'm being overly critical. I'm guessing teens would really like it.
May 22, 2017
This book is truly inspiring. it is amazing how resilient the human spirit can be.
June 2, 2017
Great idea!
I love the idea of this book and how it focuses on young adults as survivors. However, it isn't well-written. Be the one!
I love the idea of this book and how it focuses on young adults as survivors. However, it isn't well-written. Be the one!
June 12, 2017
This collection of inspirational stories has its heart in the right place.
September 14, 2017
Good stories that could be helpful/ inspirational to teens, but poorly told. The writing is not good.
January 19, 2018
A great collection of 6 teens who have overcome adversities to be successful. Told in a journalistic voice, I would like to hear more from the teens themselves.
March 30, 2018
Great book full of powerful stories of perseverance that will certainly make you think about where you're choosing to stay stuck or choosing to move forward.
May 15, 2018
A must read for every student, parent, teacher, and administrator.
July 18, 2018
I read this entire short book in a few hours. His words are heart wrenching, captivating, and hopeful. As a future teacher, this book will stick with me for a long time.
March 11, 2017
Will definitely find an audience.
June 2, 2020
This was a really good biography book!! There were a bunch of kids story’s and the stuff they went through was very devastating and traumatic and I just felt for them. It’s good to hear stories sometimes and to know you are not alone and that’s why I’m glad I read this book! It’s a really good book if you want some inspiration by others of how they came to their true potential after everything they went through! Such amazing stories!!
November 26, 2024
Beautiful and heartbreaking stories about awesome kids. I wasn’t fond of some of the tone—sometimes it slipped into hopelessness to me, which I felt like was the opposite of the point. I think giving kids strength revolves around telling them they can do something, and this didn’t always have that energy to me. Still overall enjoyable.
(PG-13 rating)
Grades 7-9
(PG-13 rating)
Grades 7-9
June 29, 2025
golly that was depressing. it was so focused on detailing the stories of the horrible things these kids went through that i feel like the hope part was mostly lost, which is a shame…
April 14, 2017
The writing isn't superior but the stories are compelling.
From advanced reader copy.
From advanced reader copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews