A young boy from Riverside County has written and published a book to help kids deal with bullying. This week's KNX Hero of the Week shows us all that you can never be too young to make a positive difference.
When 7 year-old Aramis Verano began having trouble in kindergarten, he did the unconventional. He wrote a book about it. It's called Kindergarten CEO-The Struggle is Real.
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"It's about helping kids control their feelings in school," says Aramis. "Not being a bully, so they don't won't get sent to the principle's office."
Aramis explains in his book that he was a bully to kids, because he had trouble controlling his anger. He also suffered from being bullied. He says he wrote the book to help other classmates.
"So kids won't have to go what I went through," says Aramis.
The book is full of illustrations by Aramis. And in it, he offers tips on how to deal with bullying. For instance, if a fight breaks out: "You should tell an adult, instead of fighting back."
Over the past year, Aramis has met with city leaders and Hollywood entertainers. He has shared his book at festivals and events around Southern California. He's also begun public speaking, discussing his book at a recent Rotary club meeting.
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His mother, Angie Meza, says the process has made a world of difference in the young man.
"In the last couple of months, from doing these events, he appreciates when people are kind," says Angie. "And [when they] take the time to hear him, and listen to him."
The 7-year old is already working on his second book, and is looking towards the future as an adult.
"I want to be a nice person that can help the homeless," explains Aramis. "Because, I know there's a lot of homeless people on the streets looking for homes, and money, and food. And Water."
At the end of our interview, Aramis shared with me a few words from the last page of his book:
"Don't give up. You can always keep trying to be good. Be strong."
Aramis Verano is this week's KNX Hero of the Week, showing us all that that you can never be too young to make a positive difference.
KNX Heroes is presented by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes.
See more photos and illustrations from Kindergarten CEO-The Struggle is Real at www.thekidceo.com.
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Heather Jordan, KNX 1070 News Radio.
