Welcome to Day 5 of The HYPE Blog Tour @YvetteMCalleiro #Hype #NewRelease #BookPromo #YAFiction

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Today, it’s my pleasure to host Yvette M. Calleiro with her new release, HYPE. She’s brought along a compelling guest post and is offering a giveaway. See below, and please welcome Yvette!

Tour banner with QR code for HYPE by Yvette M. Calleiro

GIVEAWAY:  3 e-book copies of HYPE!
Leave a comment below for your chance to win! 

School Counseling

It’s hard for anyone outside of the school system to understand how vital school counselors are for our youth. Students cannot leave their problems at home. They carry them everywhere they go, including school. When a child is struggling emotionally or physically, they cannot focus on learning. Teachers are the first level of comfort for many students, but there are certain areas that need more in-depth help, and that is where our counselors come in.

At my middle school, we have two regular counselors, a TRUST counselor, and a mental health counselor. A TRUST counselor is a special counselor that focuses on being a beacon of help for our students. Our TRUST counselor is amazing. I could spend pages trying to explain all the ways she helps our students, but I’m going to focus on the one that applies to my novel, HYPE. She listens with no judgment and helps keep the student physically, mentally, and emotionally safe. I cannot tell you how many lives she has improved (and has saved) because of the work she does with our students.

In HYPE, Cici is referred to the TRUST counselor by her best friend when Cici’s behavior changes. Here is an excerpt from the story:

Mr. Cooper comes from around his desk to shake my hand. The first thing I notice is his happy eyes. They seem to smile all on their own. Curly, brown hair curves around the sides of his head, leaving the top bald. His bushy mustache almost completely covers his mouth; it’s good his eyes smile for him. I want to relax around him. He has this positive energy about him, but I keep my guard up.

“Come in. Come in. You must be Cecilia.” He shakes my hand and points to a chair in front of his desk. Instead of going to sit in his chair, he closes his door and sits in the chair next to me. “I’m Mr. Cooper, the school’s TRUST counselor. A friend of yours is worried about you and asked me to meet with you.”

Dee. It has to be.

“I’m not sure if you know who I am or what I do.”

I shake my head, although I have a pretty good idea what he’s about to say.

He smiles. “I am not a regular counselor. I don’t handle schedules and high school credits. I deal with more sensitive issues. Students come to me when they want to speak privately about issues such as homosexuality, relationship problems, anorexia, bulimia, suicidal thoughts, physical or emotional abuse, rape, problems with friends, etc… You can talk to me about anything. You and your thoughts and words are safe here.”

I like Mr. Cooper, despite what his job is, and I really want to let it all spill out of my mouth. “And everything I say is confidential?”

“Yes, everything is kept private between us. However, there are three details I cannot keep private for your own safety. One is if you want to harm yourself. Another is if you want to harm someone else. And the last one is if you are being abused or have been abused in any way. Your safety is the most important thing to me, and to keep you safe, I cannot keep those details confidential. I would have to get additional help, but I would be with you through every step.”

I shut down.

“Cecilia-”

“Cici,” I correct him.

The smile again. “Cici, I work with plenty of troubled teens. The teenage years can be the most difficult in anyone’s life. I can help you get through whatever seems to be troubling you. Each person’s problems always seem bigger than they are. Sometimes, sharing them with a stranger who will not judge you and will hold what you say in confidence can help you work through it.”

I say nothing and stare at him. What I want to share is something he could not hold in confidence, so I stay quiet.

It isn’t easy for a student to open up to a complete stranger, but TRUST counselors know how to create those safe spaces to allow students to have a place where they can share their struggles. I know this from my own experiences in high school.

During my junior year, I became very depressed. I stopped eating and had difficulty sleeping. My parents tried to take me to a psychologist, but my stubborn self refused to talk to him. A teacher referred me to the TRUST counselor. At first, I was hesitant about speaking with him, but he slowly showed me that he was there to listen to me. I felt seen and heard, without judgment or expectations, for the first time in a long time. It was a turning point for me, as it is for many students.

The dramas of my yesteryears still exist, but today’s teens have so many more issues to deal with: school shootings, COVID, social media bullying, and so many more. Counselors are needed more than ever in the schools, and I hope this story shines a little light on them and their vast importance to our youth.

book cover for TYPE by Yvette Calleiro, two teen girls in front of pen and ink drawing of a girl's face, masking tape in form of X across her lips

BLURB:
Cici’s junior year in high school is going to be the best year ever. Popular co-captain of the varsity cheerleading team, she’s dating the starting quarterback. Even her jealous co-captain’s attempts to steal her boyfriend can’t curb her enthusiasm.

When her mom moves in with her fiancé, a handsome, wealthy man, only one small detail threatens Cici’s perfect life. The school’s social pariah is about to become her stepsister, and Cici wants nothing to do with her.

Everything changes when someone Cici cares about throws her life into a tailspin, and the one person Cici couldn’t stand becomes her only ally.

Warning: This story contains scenes of sexual assault.

Available on Amazon and Smashwords

AUTHOR BIO

author, Yvette M. Calleiro

Yvette M. Calleiro is a heavily addicted reader of both young adult and adult novels. She spends most of her time pseudo-living in paranormal worlds with her fictional friends (and boyfriends). When she’s living among real people, Yvette M. Calleiro is a middle school Reading and Language Arts teacher. She’s been sharing her love of literature with her students for over twenty years. Besides writing about the various characters that whisper (and sometimes scream) in her head, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying the beauty of the ocean.

Yvette lives in Miami, Florida, with her incredible son who has embraced her love for paranormal and adventurous stories. She also shares her space with an assortment of crazy saltwater animals in her 300-gallon tank.

Social Media Links:

Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Visit Yvette’s AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE for a complete list of all her novels

PURCHASE HYPE

To follow along with the rest of this tour,
please visit Yvette M Calleiro’s tour page. 

Thanks so much for visiting in celebration of HYPE. Teen years are especially difficult, but I can’t imagine what it must be like today with the added pressure of social media and 24/7 scrutiny. I thought Yvette wrote an excellent post about the importance of TRUST counselors. To participate in the giveaway, don’t forget to drop her a comment, then help spread the word about HYPE with the sharing buttons! 🙂

100 thoughts on “Welcome to Day 5 of The HYPE Blog Tour @YvetteMCalleiro #Hype #NewRelease #BookPromo #YAFiction”

  1. Pingback: Welcome to Day 5 of The HYPE Blog Tour @YvetteMCalleiro #Hype #NewRelease #BookPromo #YAFiction — From the Pen of Mae Clair | Kim's Musings

  2. I have much respect for all school counselors. I worked directly with a few in my position at a local government level, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program. The counselors worked with a many teenager who didn’t have the family support I enjoyed when I was in high school. Some of the cases truly broke my heart. In December every year, our organization recognized students who had made tremendous progress in our program. I shed more than a few tears through most of their stories. Our program contracted with the schools in four counties to help provide work experience to their youth. I oversaw the program and provided support as Performance and Accountability Specialist.

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    • That’s wonderful, Kim! Their stories always bring me to tears. They also inspire me because so many of them show resilience and strength through their troubles. Every year, I always have a few students who need extra support (or protection). I am beyond grateful for the TRUST counselor at our school. Thanks for sharing this experience with me today, Kim. 🙂

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    • That’s amazing, Kim. It’s so good to know there are such initiatives and programs available to those who need them. I sure as heartbreaking as some of the cases are, you also found great reward in your involvement. Thanks for sharing today.

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  3. This is a great post explaining the important work of these counselors. I understood in that passage why Cici pulled back from the offered help, on another level nice there is an option to go to.
    Thanks, for hosting, Mae 🙂

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  4. If we had counsellors at school, we weren’t told about their existence. This is going back to the 80s in a deprived area in the UK. I believe this is a vital resource that needs more input and funding. Great excerpt, Yvi, and I look forward to this read. Best of luck with your launch! Thanks for sharing, Mae 💕🙂

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    • When I was in high school, the TRUST counselor was a well-kept secret. I was actually referred by a teacher who noticed a change in my behavior. My grades never slipped (I was always a straight A/B student), but I became more withdrawn, and this teacher noticed it.

      I knew about the academic counselors, but I always saw them as people who dealt with my school credits and grades. We’ve come a long way since then. Mental health is finally something we talk about, and it’s getting the attention it deserves. I’m proud that my school made mental health popular before the rest of the world caught on. 😉

      Thanks for sharing your experience, Harmony! 🙂

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    • I think situations have definitely improved over the decades. Where as certain behaviors were swept under the rug, overlooked or outright ignored, they’re tended to now–or at least the availability is there.
      Thanks for visiting to support Yvette today, Harmony!

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  6. As a school counselor, I find it so refreshing to see a story that promotes the importance of the profession. So many times in books, tv, and movies, school counselors are presented as inept or, even worse, part of the problem. But my experiences are the same as yours regarding the need and strengths of counselors. Kudos!

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    • Thank you, Lady Tessa! I, too, get irritated with how teachers and counselors are portrayed in movies. It’s no wonder why so many think so negatively about the profession. Hopefully, my book can shine a positive light on the people who dedicate their lives to helping others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

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  7. I think it’s great that schools have different types of counselors. When I was in school, we only had guidance counselors who “helped” us work through decisions over college, future careers, etc.

    Best of luck on the book, Yvette, and a big thanks to Mae for hosting.

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    • Those counselors still exist, Joan. Fortunately, society has recognized the need to focus on the mental health of our children and has created a place in our schools where they can go if they need someone to speak with. I can attest to their value from my own experience and from seeing the way my school’s TRUST counselor has helped our students through difficult times in their lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joan, and thanks for the well wishes. 🙂

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  8. Having different types of counselors within the school sounds like a positive step in opening the lines of communication. When I was in high school there were three counselors available for my over 800 student graduating class. Your book sounds great, Yvette! Thanks for hosting, Mae.

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    • Those were great odds, Jill. My middle school (where I teach) has over 1500 students. We have two guidance counselors, one TRUST counselor, and a newly added mental health coordinator. Their case load is overwhelming, but all of them work together to make sure the needs of our students are met and to ensure that the students feel cared for. I appreciate you commenting today, Jill. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

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    • Wow, when you put that in perspective–three counselors for over 800 kids–the thought is mind blowing. I agree that having different types of counselors is a positive step. Teenage years are always rough, but more so today with the added pressure/constant scrutiny of social media.
      Thanks for visiting and sharing, Jill!

      Liked by 1 person

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  9. Hi,
    During my junior high and high school years, I remember only one counselor whom I could trust. I did have several teachers though and that made a big difference in my life.
    Your book sounds engaging. I have already purchased it and therefore look forward to the time when I can read it.
    All the best on your tour.
    Shalom aleichem

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    • Hi, Pat. It’s good there were/are teachers out there who made/make a difference in the lives of students, in addition to counselors. I had several teachers I really connected with.
      Thanks for visiting to support Yvette. I know she appreciates the purchase, too!

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Hi, Pat! Our TRUST counselor has a group of teachers (of which I am a part) who are mentor teachers. We take our most needy kids and mentor them for the year. She has trained all teachers on signs to look for so we can refer kids we are concerned about. We truly work as a team to help all our kids succeed. Thank you for purchasing HYPE. I look forward to reading your thoughts on it. 🙂

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    • I didn’t know about them either, Sharon. This post was an eyeopener for me. It’s good to know that availability is out there for students in need.
      Thanks for visiting to support Yvette today!

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    • Had I not had my own visit with the TRUST counselor, I would not have known he existed, either. It was a well-kept secret back then. Fortunately, times have changed. All our students know who our TRUST counselor is (as well as our other counselors). We foster an environment that encourages students to share their problems to improve their emotional well-being. I appreciate you commenting today, Sharon. 🙂

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  11. Counselors have such an important role, often overlooked. Thank you for showing us how they offer help, Yvette. I’m looking forward to reading your book very much. Thank you for hosting today, Mae. 😊

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    • Counselors always seem to be more in the background, but they clearly play a large role in the lives of students, especially those in need. I found Yvette’s post enlightening and encouraging. I’m sure HYPE will prove a gripping read.
      Thanks for visiting, Gwen!

      Liked by 1 person

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    • They are very much overlooked in most places. Our administration and faculty highly values our counselors. They are the glue that holds our school together. Thanks for commenting, Gwen, and I look forward to reading your thoughts on HYPE when you get around to reading it. 🙂

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  13. I never knew counselors like this existed in schools, but I’m sure glad they do. Teens need a trusted confidant and a safe space to share their problems. Congrats on the new release, Yvette – thanks for hosting, Mae!

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    • Having that availability of a TRUST counselor could make all the difference for a troubled teen. I never knew these counselors existed either, Teri. Hopefully there will be more of them and students will utilize their services.
      Thanks for visiting and cheering on Yvette with her new release.

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    • I can only speak from my experience, but they definitely exist here in South Florida. It’s quite possible there are places that are not as focused on mental health as we are. Hopefully, all schools have incorporated TRUST counselors into their programs. Teens today have so many issues to deal with. These counselors are truly a necessity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today, Teri. 🙂

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  14. This looks like terrific YA novel, one that could lead a kid in trouble to reach out. I had no idea about TRUST counsellors. Yvette is such a wonderful author – thanks for introducing us to her new book, Mae! Yvette, wishing you much success with ‘Hype.’

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  15. Childhood isn’t always the happy time people paint it as. This is a great reminder that kids have plenty of stresses and often don’t know how to cope with them. Our schools only had counselors who worked with schedules and classes. Love the idea of TRUST counselors. This was a great post and much luck with your book!

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    • Teens years are especially hard, then piling the constant scrutiny of social media on top of an already angsty time is a recipe for problems—assuming an already ideal home life. I can’t imagine having emotional or physical issues added. It’s so great to know these TRUST counselors are out there and available for students who need them.
      Thanks for visiting, Judi.

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      • It truly is sad, Mae. My heart breaks for these kids. You don’t want to imagine the horrors some of these students are having to deal with. I am beyond grateful they have someone at our school who truly listens to them. 🙂

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    • Thank you for the well wishes, Judi. I honestly don’t know how all students haven’t cracked under the amount of stress they deal with nowadays. Times are not as easy as it used to be when I was in school. That’s for sure! Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. 🙂

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    • I’m glad your sons attend a school that takes the additional step of providing availability of a pastor, Robbie. It sounds like the pastor fulfills the same role as a TRUST counselor which is great.
      Thanks so much for visiting and sharing today!

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    • Thank you, Jacquie. I agree that those counselors truly are special and must have the kids’ best interests at heart. It needs to be someone who is kind and empathetic, who is an incredible listener, and who has the strength to emotionally handle all that is shared with this. TRUST counselors are heroes. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me today. 🙂

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  19. We only had a guidance counselor at our school, but as a DoD school on an Army base during the Cold War, the expectations were different. I’m sure the teens dealt with many of the same problems they have today, but no one talked about it. I was thankful for the wonderful teachers who made themselves available to us. Thank you for sharing about the Trust counselors, Yvette. Their vital role is much needed. This was a powerful excerpt. Thanks for sharing Yvette’s post with us, Mae!

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    • Hi, Patty. When I went to school most support came from teachers as well. We had “guidance” counselors who advised on courses and colleges, but that was the extend of it. I learned a lot from Yvette’s post, and agree that she shared a powerful excerpt. Thanks for visiting today!

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  20. I’m having fun learning about you and what you do, Yvette! You were called to teach and it’s clear you are attuned to the rest of the faculty. Is hype on the approved reading list for high school? How can we help you get it out to all high school students? Your subject transcends color lines. I want it for brown, black, and white student access.

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  25. At my daughter’s high school, there was only a guidance counselor. I’m trained in counseling and worked as a rehab counselor for mental patients for two years. I switched to education. After I retired, I worked as a volunteer counselor for our church. Many of my clients would have resolved some issues had they had TRUST counselors in high school. They were bullied and introduced to drugs. Many middle schools and high school “big” kids just need someone to listen and understand them. Great except, Yvette! Thank you for hosting, Mae!

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    • It’s a shame that there are schools that do not have this gift. People have no idea how many issues our youth have. Bullying, insecurity, stress, feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, OCD, depression, abuse, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, homelessness, parents with cancer or other illnesses….this list goes on. Our students seek out our TRUST counselor on a daily basis. Sometimes, they need to talk about a serious issue. Sometimes, they just need to see someone smile at them. I have no doubt that our TRUST counselor has changed the lives of hundreds of kids for the better. Thanks for sharing your experiences today, Miriam. 🙂

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    • It’s so sad the path kids who are bullied often take, Miriam. Sadly, bullying has existed far too long. I remember seeing kids who were bullied back in my school days. I’m so thankful there are dedicated counselors to help them now.
      You have quite the amazing background, too!

      Liked by 1 person

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