Mr. Peters’ Moonlight Lessons: A Journey of Light, Love, and Belonging by Jodye Austin Gaines - HTML preview

CHAPTER 5: Your Voice is Power

Amir sat at his desk at school. His hands were in his lap. His face felt hot.

Some kids were making fun of his friend, DJ. They called DJ names and laughed.

Amir wanted to say something… but he stayed quiet.

His heart thumped in his chest.

Why didn’t I speak up? Amir thought. I should have said something…

That night, Amir looked at the Moon outside his window. It glowed big and bright.

Suddenly, silver light filled the room. The light wrapped around him like a blanket.

Amir floated up, up, up… to the Moon.

When he landed, Mr. Peters was waiting for him.

“Hello, Amir,” Mr. Peters said kindly. “Your heart feels heavy.”

Amir nodded. “I wanted to stand up for my friend,” he said softly. “But I was scared.”

Mr. Peters smiled gently. “It’s okay to feel scared,” he said. “But your voice is powerful.”

Amir frowned. “It is?”

“Yes,” Mr. Peters said. “Your words can help others. They can stop hurt. They can lift people up.”

Amir looked at the stars above. They twinkled bright.

“Sometimes it’s hard to speak up,” Mr. Peters said. “But when you do, your voice makes the world better.”

Amir stood taller.

“You don’t have to shout,” Mr. Peters added. “But even small words of kindness or courage matter.”

The soft silver light wrapped around Amir.

“Use your voice, Amir,” Mr. Peters whispered. “It is strong.”

The light carried Amir back to his bed.

The next day, when someone teased DJ, Amir stood up.

“Hey, stop that,” he said. “We don’t talk to people like that.”

The teasing stopped.

Amir smiled. His voice was power.

Affirmation:

“My voice matters. I use my words to help others.”

“My words can help and protect others.”

Activity:

Practice saying: “Stop, that’s not kind,” in a strong, calm voice. You can use your words to make the world better.