Jabarri and the Power of Speaking Up
by Prenicia Clifton
Victor the Voice: Jabarri and the Power of Speaking Up is a compelling, middle school–appropriate social-emotional learning story that empowers young people to understand the importance of using their voice in safe, responsible, and meaningful ways. Designed for youth navigating real-life challenges in schools, neighborhoods, and online spaces, this book centers courage, empathy, and community responsibility while modeling practical, realistic approaches to bullying prevention.
The story follows Jabarri, a first-year high school student entering a new environment filled with excitement, uncertainty, and pressure. When his longtime friend Ryan becomes the target of bullying, Jabarri faces a difficult decision many young people recognize—remain silent out of fear or speak up to protect someone he cares about. Through Jabarri’s internal struggle, readers see their own emotions reflected, including hesitation, guilt, and the desire to do what is right even when it feels uncomfortable.
At a critical moment, Victor the Voice appears as a guiding superhero figure who helps Jabarri understand that speaking up does not mean fighting back or putting himself in danger. Instead, Victor teaches developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed strategies for responding to bullying. These include using calm and confident language, standing with others, identifying trusted adults, and understanding when and how to report harmful behavior. Victor’s role reinforces the message that using your voice is an act of responsibility, not aggression.
What sets this book apart is its strong alignment with social-emotional learning and positive behavior standards. As the story unfolds, readers strengthen skills in self-awareness, emotional regulation, social awareness, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making. Jabarri’s growth shows that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to take thoughtful action despite it. The book also highlights how bullying affects entire communities and how individual choices can help create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.
Ideal for middle school classrooms, community-based programs, youth organizations, counseling settings, and family reading, Victor the Voice: Jabarri and the Power of Speaking Up extends beyond storytelling. When paired with reflection journals and guided discussions, it becomes a practical tool for helping youth build confidence, empathy, and leadership skills rooted in real-world application.
Created for educators, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals, this book offers a culturally responsive, youth-centered approach to bullying prevention and empowerment. Victor the Voice: Jabarri and the Power of Speaking Up reminds young readers that their voice matters—and that using it wisely can make a powerful difference.
Prenicia Clifton is an empathetic, engaged, and analytical leader who believes that the heart and mind should lead together. She integrates emotional intelligence with strategic thinking, approaching leadership with both compassion and intentionality. Her core values—wellness, safety, and resilience—are foundational to how she builds teams, cultivates culture, and drives meaningful impact. Prenicia’s physical and mental health disabilities have profoundly shaped her leadership journey. Living with chronic pain and navigating mental health challenges has given her a deeper capacity for empathy, patience, and perspective. These experiences have framed her understanding of strength—not as perfection or performance, but as the ability to lead authentically, adapt with grace, and uplift others while honoring one’s own limitations. Rather than seeing her conditions as barriers, Prenicia views them as gifts that ground her leadership in humanity and humility. They’ve taught her to prioritize wellness in her work, create inclusive spaces, and lead with vulnerability and courage. Her lived experience allows her to connect meaningfully with others, advocate for equity with conviction, and remain resilient in the face of adversity. As a leader, Prenicia is committed to collaboration over control, growth over perfection, and authenticity over image. She brings a future-focused mindset, ensuring that every decision contributes to a culture of equity, belonging, and sustainability. Her leadership is not just about reaching goals—it’s about transforming systems through intention, care, and connection.
The Brain Superheroes are a powerful group of heroes who help children understand and strengthen their mental health, emotional resilience, and self-confidence. Each superhero represents important life skills and emotional tools that empower young people to face life's challenges. Among them are heroes like Monica of Mindfulness, who teaches the power of being present; Victor the Voice, who encourages speaking up against bullying; Phoenix the Fearless, who guides youth through facing fears; and Shekinah, Princess of Glory and Hope, who inspires bravery and optimism.
Ashante’s Journey to Self-Love and Acceptance workbook
by Prenicia E Clifton