I'm Just A Kid With An IEP

by Jordan Toma

"You're not as smart as everyone else. You can't do this". This happened to me because of my experience in school and it grew roots into everything I did. I would feel helpless in class. I struggled to understand why I couldn't just pick up information like everyone else. I remember sitting in class telling myself I am going to try hard to understand everything in class today just like everyone else and be a normal student, but I just couldn't grasp it! I was made fun of because sometimes I had to have special lessons. Other students, even so called "friends" called me dumb. I let this problem control me until I graduated in 2008. I was accepted into a life changing program called The Step Ahead. I remember moving in filled with fear and anxiety. I went into the bathroom looked at myself in the mirror and promised myself I was going to change. I knew I couldn't let this label last forever. After that I started building a foundation of confidence and belief in myself brick by brick. It has brought me to where I am today. This journey has just started for me but now I believe it's time to help young students that can relate to my story. My objective is to create the foundations of the belief, the confidence, the work ethic, and everything that you need to become the best you can be now and not let anything ever get in your way. Now it's time to make up for lost time.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2022

Reviews

[Nic Ramos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had really high expectations for this book as a special educator. My school hosted a book club and this was the chosen book, and my personal belief is that it was hyped up more than it deserved to be. While the author's story of growing up with an IEP is certainly an important one and his personal account draws parallels to my students' lives. I found the book to be lacking in practical advice, the book's focus on the author's personal experience often came at the expense of providing useful information for those who are trying to help students with disabilities success at school. Rather than the author's whole high school experience, he notes all the times he skipped school, tried to get his friends to skip school, and joy rides to Manhattan instead of going to class. No notes of what would have changed his mind, what supports he could have benefited from, and no account of personal accountability until almost the end of the book. I appreciate the author's willingness to share his story but i would not recommend this book as a valuable resource for those seeking guidance in navigating the complex world of special education.

[Mary Wren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book by Jordan Toma is a quick read and details his struggles in life with a learning disability. He suffered from poor self esteem and the stigma of being labeled. Through a program at college to help him develop better study habits and his own determination, he has been a success at various jobs. I would recommend this book to some of my students to read - as it really seems to be written for them. He is a motivational speaker and I hope he can one day come speak at our school. 🙌

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This young man shows us what it’s like to come to school, every single day, and struggle. What it feels like to swim up stream, like you’re drowning. To never fit in. While very difficult to read as a parent with a struggling child, I would highly recommend it. This boy offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of many struggling kids and teens. It is heartbreaking and I’m glad I know. I’m so proud of him and what he has achieved. I’m glad he shared his story with all of us.

My final thoughts: After a recent meeting with a school official who said things that no school official has any business saying, I’ve been feeling extremely disheartened as I navigate one of my kid’s reading struggles and learn more about the things she needs to launch in life. Thankfully my children no longer attend this school (and have a family that believes in them and pushes ALL of them to be their best), but after this meeting I cried for 48 hours for all the kids who do attend, and will attend.

Every child, regardless of ability or socio-economic background, should be encouraged to chase their dreams and strive for greatness. Thankfully, all any child needs is one person to believe in them, in order to find the courage and determination to turn their dreams into reality.

“This lady was putting a ceiling on my capabilities.”

“If we let others opinions diminish our shine we inevitably become what they are envisioning.”

“Most of the time, people will put limits on you, but that’s because those are their limits. You have so much more in you, way more then you even know; just keep pushing yourself.”

This book should be mandatory reading for administrators all the way down to middle school students and for parents of any child who struggles to fit in.

[Dana Szkotnicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids need to know that no matter what problems you face you can overcome, this book shows that.

When kids are younger they get trapped in their own heads and in their own thoughts. Usually those thoughts are a one way train and once it takes off there is no coming back. Jordan sharing his experiences here and reflecting on can help a younger teenager or preteen see what they are capable of if they can change their mindset. He shares that it wasn't his abilities that held him back but his thought process about those in the thought process of those around him. Truthfully this isn't just a book for those with learning disabilities, it really is for anyone who wants to develop that growth mindset. As a parent I recommend all my children take the time to read. It really is the story of Jordan finding that growth mindset and running through his obstacles!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend of mine, and she recommended it because I am a special education teacher. I read this book looking to find strategies and techniques that Jordan had done in order to get to where he is today, but unfortunately, I felt like this was more of a summary of his life rather than ways to help current students who are struggling in special education. I have been blessed to be a special education teacher for over 30 years and I believe strongly in growth mindset. Many of my students I had noticed had a very fixed mindset in how they could achieve in school, and that is what led me to alter, my teaching to help them become the best that they can be. I have been very fortunate to have had students come back years later and tell me how much that type of mindset teaching really help them become successful. I only gave this book 3 stars because I felt it. It lacked the fundamental strategies and techniques, and I felt the writing was very disjointed. I commend Jordan for writing this book, knowing that he did struggle with writing in school, but it did made it hard to look past that.

[Damon Rainie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and accessible story for young adults about a young man confronting the limitations put on him and the self-doubt it had instilled in him, to develop strategies and habits for success. A bit redundant and this self-published book would have benefitted from more rigorous editing, but the mistakes lend authenticity to Toma's story, which is undeniably heartfelt and a true reflection of his ambition. That drive has now morphed into a desire to share his story with others in his shoes, to show them the possibilities and give them the confidence to overcome their obstacles. This message is a welcome break from the victim mentality plaguing so many young people, young men in particular. At the same time, it resists an equally toxic "up by the bootstraps" mentality, as Toma shines light on the journey and the support network that helped him get over setbacks and persist. A lively and refreshing read for any middle or high school audience, especially those with IEPs or other labels that might place undue limitations on their ambition or expectations.

[Missy Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I think all parents who’s child has an iep should read this book. Also, good for regular and special education teachers, principals and administrators.
While not every student with an IEP will experience this level of success the author did he gives lots of hope , encouragement and support to those who has experienced the trials he did in school.
I would love to hear the author speak.

[Erinn Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope Jordan Toma sent this book to all his teachers, whether they supported him or not. His story is one, we teachers, love hearing about. I work with kids who struggle in school (academically, socially, mentally, etc) and this story warmed my heart. Just writing all those words down collectively must have been difficult and I bet he never imagined it was something he could have done when he was a 6th grader.

[Avaa_del · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a five Star book this book is amazing anybody with an individual education plan or anybody who wants to learn about learning disabilities should read this book. My mother bought this for me and I am so thankful for her. I love this book and I’m so happy how Jordan Toma turned his life around everybody in the world should read this book. Love love love.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

outstanding!

as a paraprofessional in a self contained class, this book truly opened my eyes to the way some of my students likely feel all the time. not only that but it really gave me some tools to be the best aide to my students that i can be

[Eileen Carter-Campos “CC” · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written book. Kids need more people like Jordan to tell their story to build their confidence to tell their own. Every person should read this. I highly recommend it for teachers, students, and parents!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and positive story

I discovered this book on Facebook and bought it for my Kindle. I found it very inspiring and positive. I was an LD kid and I could relate to this book. I love how he just kept at it until he achieved his goals. I highly recommend it.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I work with elementary school students with IEPs I found this to be very interesting. The book could have used a good editing but that didn't distract too much from the positive message. I was a bit concerned about what a workaholic he is.

[Jeremy Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Toma inspires others to be hard working, positive, and confident by telling his story of how he overcame his difficulties learning in school and the negativity way he looked at himself.

[Denikka Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Everyone should read this book! It is such an inspirational story. I have already recommended it to parents and students.

[Nate Balcom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #17 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! Insightful true story of growing up with an IEP, how it affected the author, and how to succeed when you’re faced with challenges.

[Crystal Steiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for that IEP momma ❤️

[Beth Knopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled in school and was that kid on a IEP. This is a very good book for students, parents and educators.
Alot of what Jordan wrote in his book I remember feeling that way in school.

[Chelsey Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[Betty Dague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I needed this book when my children with an iep was in school. When those teachers looked at me and said I don’t know what to do for your son.

[Sara Boespflug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing read and Jordan has some great quotes that he uses that I will be trying to incorporate into my classroom. Such an inspirational story!!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed his story I thought there were typos that took away from the story

[Emily Zinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspiring story and I have so much respect for Jordan Toma but this book is filled with so many errors. It was distracting.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous encouragement if you are a parent with a kid navigating the IEP process.

[Aaron Spool · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brave, inspiring, and kind book. I'm thankful Jordan is on a mission to help IEP holding children and young adults navigate the world.

[Jennifer H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Michele Harbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

This is a great book for educators to read. Such an interesting perspective from the child's view on what it feels like to have that IEP and all that comes with it.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great motivational book!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a special education teacher, this book hit me hard (in a positive way). It got me thinking about how we are running special education in our country and how students with IEPs are made to feel about themselves each day at school. As an educator, it is my job to change the narrative for students so that they do feel successful, and they are confident that they have the "structure, tools, and, most importantly, determination" to reach their goals. We can all learn something from Jordan's story; how we treat others and make them feel about themselves (particularly those different from ourselves), how we can motivate others to pursue their dreams, and how we can overcome the obstacles in our own lives through hardwork and belief in what's possible.

[Laura C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had come across some of Jordan Toma’s online videos. He would always talk about his learning problems and praising his mum which made me interested in the backstory to this. Why was she such a help? How? Perhaps this could help me be a better mum to my son?

The book was great in telling his story but his mum had just a brief mention through the entire book. His dad actually got mentioned more often (although not at all on his videos making me assume his dad wasn’t around).

If anyone is looking for help in being successful while having a learning disability then this may not be the book for you unless your parents can support you financially and you don’t mind studying all day every day. I didn’t feel it was realistic for most young people.

Overall it was interesting to read but didn’t answer any of my questions or have any helpful advise for me.