The Adventures of Big Ollie: Voice Power (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781728335841)

Michael was born weighing 3 pounds, 14 ounces. Michael has several health issues that were eventually diagnosed as a growth disorder. The growth disorder had many characteristics. Most significantly, the disorder made Michael, throughout his life, smaller and slighter than most children or adults. These characteristics led Michael to looking "different." Throughout Michael's life, there were many experiences where Michael was judged, teased, and bullied because he was small. Children and adults said cruel and inappropriate things to Michael, and stares and rejections were a constant part of Michael's life. As this situation had the potential of being very defeating to Michael, he now uses his experiences to shape how he can help others become resilient. Michael focuses on developing stories to help stop bullying and harassment, just like one of his biggest heroes in his life has, his Dad, Jim Jelinske. Michael and his Dad felt the need to educate students, parents, and teachers about the effects of bullying on children. "The Adventures of Big Ollie" is a resource for children and anyone who works with children. No child should be afraid to go to school. Michael Jelinske received his undergraduate degree from the St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and received his master's degree at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. He continues and has spent over 12 years tutoring children. Michael's passion has always been to help people especially children and special needs individuals. He has always advocated for those who have been treated with anything less than respect, especially children. Michael wants to dedicate this book to five extremely important people in his life, his Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma and his special needs friend Tim. Michael's Mantra is, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."? Mahatma Gandhi