James Valitchka

James Valitchka wrote his first bestselling novel "Superheroes Don't Have Dads" at 8 years old. When James was only 10 years old he became an Anti-Bullying Advocate and motivational speaker, as well as a Goodwill Ambassador for literacy. Sponsored by Air Canada Kid's Horizons, the Holiday Inn, Sutton Place Hotels and Swank Audiovisual, he has traveled throughout Canada for 4 months encouraging children everywhere to read and write. He is also an Anti-bullying advocate who has spoken at several Safe School Forums and Anti-bullying workshops and conventions. James has published eight books, including "I Love Grandpa", "Superheroes Don't Have Dads", "Locked Up Mysteries", "Free To Be Me", "Jess and Cade's Spy Missions", "Maybe I'll Be a Pastor", and "I'm Not Brown I'm Human and Greater Expectations". [ National Library Archives, Wellington Street, Ottawa AND http://www.jamesvalitchka.com under "References".]

Biography

James Valitchka is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, with a father from Wisconsin and a mother from Canada. James balances his free time between his two homes in the Greater Toronto, Ontario area and Philadelphia. James was raised by a single mom who taught him a love of reading and writing. He started writing when he was 5 years old by telling his mother all of his ideas and stories orally. His book " Superheroes Don't Have Dads" was written by James when he was 8 and became a best seller when he was 9 years old. James won the Top 20 Under 20 award in 2005 for innovation, achievement and excellence. James has received international media coverage from CNN, CTV National News, CBC National News, and Global TV National News, as well as Making a Difference with Susan Hay. January 30, 2008. [ CTV National News at 11:00 p.m., May 9, 2005, AND http://www.top20under20.ca]

James wrote 7 children’s books and 1 novel for youth and adults called “Greater Expectations”. His best selling book “Superheroes Don’t Have Dad” was written when he was 8 years old and addresses issues of single parent homes, self-esteem, and bullying. It has sold over 35,000 copies and is recognized internationally as a teacher’s resource by educators, social workers, doctors and journalists. James’ book “ I’m not Brown I’m Human” was written in honour of the Black History Month and discuses issues of love and acceptance of differences and how words can hurt. The key in the book “I’m not Brown I’m Human” is that all humans are beautiful and we can overcome these situations with education, forgiveness, and hope. It is truly a book about Equality, Peace, and Hope. James has just released a full-length novel, "Greater Expectations", which is a heroic tale that openly relays the realistic challenges that teens face today. He said that there were times when he was writing it that tears came to his eyes, but he kept writing because he wanted to share the pain and joy of the many children and teens he had met during his travels. [Harris, Kris:Teen to give anti-bullying talk at local school,Jan.24,2008, http://www.northernlife.ca/News/Lifestyle/2008/01-25-08-bully.asp?NLStory=01-25-08-bully] Since 2004, James Valitchka has been an International Goodwill Ambassador for Literacy and Anti-Bullying Advocate touring schools and communities all over Canada encouraging children everywhere to read, write and make positive choices. James Valitchka was the youngest recipient ever of the top 20 under 20 National Award for innovation, excellence and leadership on May 6, 2005. James Valitchka won the Me to We Canadian Living magazine award in 2007 and has recently won the Province of Ontario's June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award that was presented to him by Premier McGuinty on April 28th, 2008 along with the Ottawa Civic Appreciation award to presented to him in Ottawa on May 5th. James created the annual student conference Literacy Can Change Lives in 2006 and later created the James Valitchka’s Stand Tall and Speak Out: Voice for Children and Youth in 2008.

James’ speaking experience lasts 1 hour and includes a speech, readings from 2 or more books and questions. If you visit James’ website, [www.jamesvalitchka.com] and click “TV and Radio”, you can see live footage from his visits to schools and you will also see children lining up to ask questions to James.The feedback we have received is that this is a life changing and memorable experience for the children. That many of the children who hear James speak go on to write their own and start making different and more positive choices for their lives.

Kirk Mark, Coordinator, Race, & Ethnic Relations Multiculturalism, heard James Valitchka speak at the official Black History Month launch in January 29, 2005, and highly recommended James Valitchka as a speaker. James has been featured in over 100 media publications and was most recently featured in the [Toronto Star Monday January 30, on page B4 And also on February 6th on page B3] . He was also featured in the [Toronto Sun on page 27] and other publications through-out Canada, the United States, Europe and South America. Some of these publications highlight James Valitchka as a role model who encourages children and youth to choose positive behaviors, while others focus on his belief that school drop outs and youth violence can be solved with Literacy and Education. James has been interviewed on Canada AM on [February 7] and was the feature story on "Make A Difference" on Global National TV on October 03, 2007 with Susan Hay.

Bibliography

;"Superheroes Don't Have Dads"His best selling book "Superheroes Don't Have Dads" has caught the attention and gained the respect of international journalists, educators, doctors, etc. It is printed and sold in English, French and Spanish. The best selling book "Superheroes Don't Have Dads" is about an 8 year old boy who is being raised by a single mom and is angry and sad because he does not have a dad in his life. He is bullied and then becomes a bully himself before he decides to change his life and behavior for the better. [ [http://www.canadabooksonline.com canada books online redirect ] ]

The book is based on an autobiography of James' life as one day when he was feeling sad and angry he realized that " Spiderman did not have a dad, he lived with his aunt and uncle, Batman did not have a dad, he lived with his butler and Superman lived with adopted parents". James' strong faith in God and this connection with his superheroes gave him the strength and determination to turn his life around. James wrote this best selling book that year and won first place in a writing contest with over 700 entries. James went on a National Book Tour for Literacy, sponsored by Air Canada and the Sutton Place Hotels, and spoke to over 30, 000 children, grossing sales of over 10,000 of his book "Superheroes". [Global TV News, Winnipeg, 2006]

"Superheroes Don't Have Dads" addresses issues of self esteem, bullying, single parent homes and personal change; all from the perspective of an 8 year old boy. This book can and will make a difference for children, families and educators in a truly meaningful and unforgettable way. You can visit Chapters Indigo or visit the Book Order section of this website. [ [http://www.jamesvalitchka.com James Valitchka - Superheroes don't have dads ] ]

;"I'm Not Brown, I'm Human"

When James was 11, he released I'm Not Brown, I'm Human, which became a bestseller within six months. His multicultural treasure is an honest yet innocent book about the need to accept other races, cultures, colours, and religions. James' forthright words focus on how we can love each other, looking beyond skin color and differences to the rich history, spirit and potential that each and every person possesses. [Mary Ellen Mason: AETQ, April, 2007] James eloquent words focus on how we can love each other by looking beyond skin color to the rich history, spirit and potential of each and every person. I'm Not Brown, I'm Human talks honestly and openly about experiences of racism and how words can hurt. James' expressive writing suggests that the solution for those who experience racism and the people who are afraid of difference is forgiveness, love and hope.

;"Greater Expectations"

In January 2008, one month after turning 13, James launched Greater Expectations, his eighth book and his first full-length novel of hope for Teens and Adults. Greater Expectations sold over 1,000 copies in its first two days of release. Educators and professionals from various sectors applauded the book. [Ontario Black History Society]

When James was 13, he launched a multicultural for teens,"Greater Expectations", for Black History Month on January 27,2008.James Valitchka's novel "Greater Expectations", gives Teens Hope and Strength in the midst of Cyber Bullying,Teen Pregnancy, Teen Homelessness, Child Abuse, Teen Suicide, Racism, Class Divisions in Education. "Greater Expectations" is a heroic story meant to openly relay the realistic challenges teens face today and inspire them to have the courage to rise above and succeed in spite of it all. [Press release: 13 year old launches novel for TEENS, Greater Expectations on January 27, 2008]

“An heroic multicultural story meant to openly relay the realistic challenges teens face today and inspire them to have the courage to rise above and succeed in spite of it all.” [Susan Woodfine, Rimouski, Quebec, CBC Radio News]

Greater Expectations is a brilliant piece of work, giving teens hope and strength in the midst of cyber bullying, teen pregnancy, teen homelessness, child abuse, teen suicide, racism and class divisions in education. Teens have many challenges to overcome but George, James’ hardworking and resourceful main character, shows them how to overcome these challenges and to succeed in life. [TDSB Career Day on January 15, 2008]

James believes that children and teenagers can change the world and can make a difference in a powerful and meaningful way. He hopes that Greater Expectations will encourage children and youth to speak out about their struggles so that changes can be made and that help can be given. James has named one of the chapters in his novel, "Silence is our enemy". [James Valitchka's Stand Tall and Speak Out speech at OISE on April 16, 2008, Toronto]

;"Free To be Me"

This book is based on a young energetic 7-year-old boy who is thought to have ADHD by his teacher. Tyson is energetic, intelligent and loves to laugh, but the medication turns him into a depressed zombie who doesn't laugh, feel and has a constant headache and sore stomach. His mother prays for the return of her laughing son and finally decides to let George be himself - free of medication. As he grows up he discovers that he is really just a kid with lots of imagination and energy.

;"Locked Up Mysteries"

Four courageous 9-year-old boys are 2004s Hardy Boys. They have a clubhouse and private investigator's badges. They work with the police to solve mysteries in their home town. They are unbeatable!

;"I Love Grandpa"

We all love our grandma and grandpa. Seven year old James loves his grandpa Ralph. When Grandpa becomes ill, James learns about love and courage. He learns to understand and help his grandpa.

;"Jess and Cade's Spy Mission"

Jess is just your average girl with an annoying step brother named Cade, who bugs her at every chance. In Grade 4 things start getting crazy at school and the fun, sporty Principal, Ms. Mollig, starts to change into a mean, scary woman who must be avoided at all costs. Then Jess and Cade stumble upon a top secret formula that could turn the students into zombie slaves. Is Ms. Mollig's evil twin sister at the bottom of this?

Jess and Cade race to solve the mystery first, but Cade just won't keep his nose out of her clues ...

;"May Be I'll Be A Pastor"

A young boy and girl wonder aloud "whether there really is a God". They run away from home to find the answer, only to find God in the process.

Other works

James has partnered with Air Canada, Educate With Vision and Future Aces to launch his Literacy Can Change Lives National Student Conferences. In 2007, over 13,000 people of all ages in both Canada and the United States benefited from James' message of hope and determination. This year the conference expands to South America. [http://www.jamesvalitchka.com AND Google Internet Searches for James Valitchka]

James successfully launched his own international company called James Valitchka's Stand Tall and Speak Out, VOICE for Children and Youth programs & conferences in Toronto on April 16, 2008 with over two hundred students from ten schools through-out Ontario in atendance. James received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement award from the Province of Ontario on April 28, 2008. Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Michael Chan, presented this prestigious award to James. [The Ontario Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship at http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/April 2008/29/c2396.] On May 6, 2008 James received the Ottawa Civic Appreciation Award for Education, which was presented to him by Mayor Larry O'Brien and Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder.

Awards

Province of Ontario's June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award that was presented to him by Premier McGuinty on April 28th,2008. [April 29,2008 http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/news/2008/b20080429.shtml And Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, TORONTO, Apr 29, 2008 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX), http://www.zibb.com/article/3146335/The+June+Callwood+Outstanding+Achievement+Award+for+Voluntarism] Youngest recipient of the National Top 20 Under 20 award in 2005Do Something Grant award in 2006, which allowed him to put on his Literacy Can Change Lives conferences througgh-out North America, Chicago and New York that year.Free the Children's Me to We and Canadian Living Magazine's Community Service Award for children 12 and Under. National Advocacy Award for speaking out against child abuse and injustice while encouraging others to oppose any tragedies involving children. New York's Brightest New Novel Award for addressing child abuse as one of the many issues and other challenges facing children and youth. [http://www.metowe.org AND http://www.dosomething.org] Ottawa Civic Appreciation award for Education, which was presented to him in Ottawa on May 5th. [Volunteers honoured at seventh annual Civic Appreciation Awards ceremony May 07, 2008,http://ottawastart.com/story/7741.php And http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/volunteerservices/civic_appreciation/volunteer_recognition_2008_en.html]

James's International Tours

James Valitchka visited Argentina in the Spring of 2008, as well as in July. A documentary film maker from the National Film Board shot footage of his tours and is still compiling material for a documentary on his life. James toured Argentina with life changing message for children and adults. James's tour to Argentina was a lifetime experience not only to him, but also to the children and adults. He really helped the kids there through his anti-bullying, literaccy messsages as well as talking about his books which helped in bringing hope for a better life for the Argentinian youths. James said that a teacher told him about one kid who was a bully, but after listening to James' life changing messages, this kid said that he really touched his heart and made him want to change. James said the more he helped the youths from Argentina, the more it meant to him and the more his passion and love about helping children and adults who were vulnerable continued to increase. He said that his visit to Argentina also changed his view and now he has an international perspective of what childrena and adults all over the world are experiencing. James books gives teenagers and kids a voice in the society [ [http://geo.international.gc.ca/latin-america/argentina/news/cultur_academic-es.aspx Argentina :: Página principal :: Nuestras Oficinas :: Calendario cultural y académico ] ] .

On July 14, 2008, a press release was written by the Ministry of Education in Argentina:

James, a Young Canadian writer visits schools in Argentina. The Plurilingüe School N° 7 was of the one of 9 received with a pleasant surprise in the visit of the young Canadian writer only 13 years old, James Valichtka, to speak in English with 5^th and 6^th grade students. James Valitchka wrote several books that were a success in Canada and will be visiting Buenos Aires for the next few days. James' books approach the subject of the respect by encouraging cultural diversity and coexistence. [Buenos Aires, July 14, 2008, Press Office, Ministry of Education]

James' next tour will be in Europe. He will start his European tour in August 2008, where he will be visiting Milan,Italy and other European locations. James' lifetime passion is helping children and youth who are struggling with self esteem, bullying, low literacy scores and therefore, are vulnerable in society. James is a literacy and anti-bullying advocate, whose important goal is to stop bullying in schools and promote literacy across the world so that children and youth can learn to read and write. James also wants children and youth to have the courage and guidance necessary to stand up for their beliefs, knowing that whenever they feel that an injustice has occurred or something is not right, they can choose to speak out and not shy away.

References