Chasing Normal - A Memoir

“Alongside Chasing Normal, Beck’s Childhood Trauma: How Teachers Saved Me — offered as a keynote or a 60-minute professional development session — is transforming schools and conferences nationwide, showing educators the profound difference they can make.”
Learn more here: Childhood Trauma; How Teachers Saved Me
Chasing Normal Reviews
I recommend Beck’s book, and Bruce Perry’s books to all educators. Sarah A. Primary Teacher
Wow! This is one powerful story and a reminder that some children rely on us more than we know to make their lives more enriched Thank you for writing this. - Sue. S - Teachers
As a teacher with lots of trauma students this book has truly hit home for me and the positive influence I must make on all my student. Thank you for sharing your story! - Felicity. C - Teacher
Your book was a tough read but taught me more about trauma than any PL/training I’ve encountered in my career and I believe it has made me so much better at my job in learning support. Thanks to your bravery the students in my life are benefitting from at least one caring adult who tries to understand them - Nicky P. ESO
This is the most amazing, inspirational book I've read... highly recommend - Amanda, Teacher
This is must-read for any educator who wishes to deepen their understanding of the effects of childhood trauma. Beck’s story provides a compelling motive for “why” we need trauma-informed education for all those young people who need someone to walk beside them, offering safety, warmth, and a chance to be seen. - Dr Lyra L’Estrange, Trauma-Aware Education, Queensland University of Technology
Chasing Normal is an essential book for anyone who works with children and wants to understand the true power of relationships, kindness and compassion when caring for children. Chasing Normal is an especially important book for teachers to appreciate the critical impact they can have on students exposed to abuse, neglect and trauma. - Dr Emily Berger, Senior Lecturer and Educational and Developmental Psychologist, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University.
"Every teacher should read this book. It is a honest and courageous story of complex trauma and how it affected a young life. As an educator dealing with many seen and unseen trauma in children, this has opened my eyes to what these children see through theirs. Thank you Beck for sharing your story!
" - Angela, Teacher
This book should be on the reading list of all educators who wish to make a difference in the lives of these children and teenagers. - Leann Faint, Principal Carinity Education | Southside
Chasing Normal was at times very difficult to read, but has given me much to reflect upon in the behaviours of my students and the supports they may require. Thankyou! - Miss Mills, Teacher
I could not put your book down. So many feelings. You are truly inspiring. - Gretel, Teacher
This is such a powerful book. I have been a director in family and children services and your book has validated how connections and trust formed are essential and necessary. - Tracey, Childcare Director
LOVED reading this and have learned so much about the effects of trauma. Deb, Teacher
I have read your book. You are a true inspiration. You have inspired me as a teacher. Thankyou for sharing your story. KT, Teacher
Thankyou Beck. As a teacher and survivor myself, I found your story inspirational and helpful when dealing with student trauma. Jenny
Your book encourages me as a teacher to look past a child's quiet and complaint exterior mask and get to know them. Kirsty, Assistant Principal.
After reading your book it really concreted the importance of our role in our “children’s lives” Kasie Matthews, Kindergarten Teacher
Chasing Normal is an unabashedly raw and honest account of the reality of how abuse and neglect affected every single aspect of Beck's life and the enormous effort, determination and courage it takes to work through the chronic anxiety, depression and panic attacks she suffered to arrive at a place in her life where she is more at peace and feels the most normal she’s ever felt.
A place she would never have arrived at without key people including teachers throughout her early life, that supported and guided her.
I COULDN’T put your book down. Your DETERMINATION and strength is amazing. Peta - Primary Teacher
'Wow... you're an inspiration. I read it in 3 days... couldn't put it down.'- Amanda. Primary Teacher
PLEASE NOTE: Paperback price includes standard delivery across Australia
Ebook format is PDF