Jeff Shelton, a former San Juan student, is the son of a local retired teacher Vee Shelton. “Golda, A True Story for Children of All Ages” written by Shelton, is a true story of a gentle and absolutely innocent girl who’s childhood was taken away, simply for being different. This is the story of regret and redemption, of fear and forgiveness, and perhaps the most important lesson to learn from “Golda” is that bullying happens everywhere, every day, regardless of age, and it changes our lives forever.”
Shelton read “Golda: A True Story for Children of All Ages” to numerous classroom students. His story “Golda” talks about the damage done by bullying, affecting not only those who are bullied but those who stand by and watch. Golda, was a female classmate who Shelton now believes may have had autism.
He describes how on a daily basis Golda was teased, tormented and never included by her classmates. She was harassed about her looks and her apparent inability to speak. Golda was never able to defend herself against the cruel taunting she endured by her classmates. The book describes that on one particular day, while a substitute teacher was present, Golda was punched in the face by the classroom bully. Mr. Shelton is still haunted by the memory of this incident which was one of the motivating factors to write this autobiographical and touching story.
From a direct quote from the back cover of Shelton’s book: “As the proud and passionate parents of two boys with autism, Jeff Shelton and his wife, Jaime, are the cofounders of AUPTIMISM.org. Currently a SWAT Team Sergeant, as a graduate from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in English, writing has always been a passion of his, and although “Golda” is a story he has told countless times, he was inspired by experiences as a police officer to at last put it on paper.”
Shelton regularly presents in a SWAT uniform, with no weapons, bringing home his point that he might be bulletproof but not “bully-proof”.
This book can be purchased at goldastory.com if you are interested.
