Because of You, This is Me is more than a memoir; it’s a masterclass in resilience, courage and the power of human connection. Jaz Ampaw-Farr’s raw honesty, humour and unwavering determination leap off the page. Her story, rooted in childhood trauma, is heartbreaking, yet it’s also an inspiring testament to the transformative power of small acts of kindness. This book is a love letter to the everyday heroes – teachers, mentors and friends – who saw past her circumstances and helped her build a different future. It’s impossible to read this without reflecting on our own power to impact others. A must-read for anyone who believes in the strength of the human spirit.

Jaz Ampaw-Farr’s book is shocking, searing, moving and enraging yet ultimately uplifting. All the right feelings we should be feeling when confronted by a story as powerful and as honestly told as this. Jaz’s USP is her honesty, her refusal to bend the truth so it can be palatable or ‘presented’, and this is why her work always leads us by the gut, galvanising us not to tolerate what is unfair, unequal and disrespectful, and to gather the courage to call out the unacceptable. The heroes in her world are teachers and not just because hers helped her, but because she recognises and celebrates the fact that a teacher has the most important job in the whole world: encouraging, nurturing and architecting the next generation.

Because of You, This is Me by Jaz Ampaw-Farr is one of the most inspiring, wonderful and informative books I have read in a long time. Jaz’s openness and authenticity shine through as she bravely shares her story, taking us from the depths of despair in her upbringing to the remarkable person she is today. Her journey is nothing short of courageous, and it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The narrative is a heartfelt love letter to the teachers who have shaped her life and career. Jaz reflects on her past with a raw honesty that is both touching and enlightening. Rather than succumbing to the pain and heartache of her childhood, she transforms these struggles into powerful lessons of hope and strength. This remarkable ability to turn adversity into inspiration is what makes her story resonate so deeply.

Throughout the book, readers will laugh, cry and find themselves reflecting on their own experiences. Jaz’s journey encourages us to look at our own lives with a new perspective, reminding us that our past does not define us but rather moulds us into who we can become.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a beautiful piece of writing that will linger in your heart and mind long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re seeking inspiration and a reminder of the power of resilience, Because of You, This is Me is a must-read.

An incredibly powerful book. Deeply moving yet inspirational, deeply personal yet incisive in its analysis of the education sector. More than anything, it provides a voice and an insight into the lives of children in classrooms that are often unseen and misunderstood by educators and policy makers. An essential read.