World First Parenting Book from a Teenage Author
Following report in Wellingtonian 13 December 2007, “Teen writes book aimed at parents”
First Edition of “You Shut Up!”is coming out of print on the 21st December 2007.
Hot off the press book signing will be happening from 10 am till 2 pm at BUZZ restaurant, 39 Waterloo Rd, Hutt City.
Welcomed by owners of BUZZ restaurant Michael & Hilary Gray who continue their support of New Zealand talent.
Discover how a 17 Year Old Is Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Teenagers
Russian-born Wellington teenager Eva-Maria will be celebrating release of her first book ‘You Shut Up!’ aimed at parents
of teenagers. Her mission is to help improve a million parent-teenager relationships all over the world in the next 12
months. Released just before Christmas “You Shut Up!” is an ideal present for any parent. This is a present that can
actually make a real difference. The book went to print on the strength of pre-sell campaign to friends, family and the
NZ School community. Eva’s speculations of parent-teenager conflicts and how they can be resolved with a win-win outcome
have come from many years of mentoring and coaching teenagers all over the world through one-on-one, or group talking,
TXTing, e-mail, over the phone, and instant messaging.
“Sometimes I can change a person’s entire perspective of a conflict just by spending just 15 minutes with them. I
thought if that’s enough, I could definitely minimize generational conflict between people, and even families. A book
sounded like the perfect way to get this information out there. I can guarantee I mean every word I say in the book
because this has been my life for the past few years, so it all really means a lot to me.” says 17 years old graduate
from Wellington’s Athena Montessori College.
“You Shut Up!” is not a comfortable read. It challenges parents to reassess the way they relate to their teenagers and
come up with an approach that is guided by a mixture of love and pragmatism, communication and non-interference, with
less judgment and more trust – something we aren’t always very good at.
While parents won’t necessarily agree with everything Eva-Maria says – or be able to execute the balancing act she
espouses – they will have trouble getting her voice out of their heads, especially next time they have a run-in with one
of their teenagers. In a nutshell, Eva-Maria’s book advises adults to ‘chill’.
This is a provocative tale told from a thinking teenager’s point of view and every parent should read it for that reason
alone.”
Mary McCallum, mother, author and, book critic. Her novel The Blue (Penguin NZ 2007) is amongst other things about the power and
complexity of maternal love
“Eva is a young woman with a mission; she wants to change the world. If personal qualities, drive and commitment are all
that is required then her success is guaranteed. Eva has been a student of mine since I started at Athena Montessori
College in 2003. She has the unique gift of being able to work with anyone of any age, including staff and parents, in a
positive and supportive way. I would guess that every student who has been at this college received help, support,
friendship and wise counsel from Eva.
It has been such a privilege to work with her over the last four years. Her workload in 2007 was huge and yet she
managed to write a book as well as complete NCEA half way through Year 12. One of her major English assignments was an
analysis of inter-generational conflicts explored through literature. She chose texts commonly found on university
reading lists which drew on her Russian heritage and included at least one of Shakespeare’s plays. English was not her
first language so she actively and deliberately sought out constructive and critical feedback to apply to this and all
her other assignments. I am so proud of her, and delighted to see that she has chosen the challenging topic of her Level
3 English research as the topic for her first book.”
Vicki Bamford, Co-director, Athena Montessori College, Wellington
“Eva-Maria is an inspiration to many youth. She personifies natural grace and maturity as well as having a deep
understanding of her social surrounding. She has also developed an acute awareness of relationship framework among
teenagers. She has often been a prominent supporter to many youth.
She has personally impacted on the way I both perceive and interact with people. On top of that she is a vastly talented
young woman.”
Jessica Clark, 17 years old, Wellington
“It is difficult to explain people like Eva, because everything about them seems to be so perfect. Her friendliness and
just the fact that she is always around to confide in, meant that many times I was able to share my news, ideas and
stories with someone who is compelled to listen.”
Alexander K, 17 years old, Sydney
Having a broad knowledge of people and years of experience of working, mentoring and coaching teenagers and their
parents, Eva-Maria is living on the road to her dream; to bridge the gap of misunderstanding between teenagers and the
older generations around the globe.
Born in Russia in 1990, Eva-Maria moved to New Zealand with her parents, brother and sister in 1996. She attended Karori
Normal School until 2003 when she transferred to Athena Montessori College. The same year she was given the opportunity
to undergo mentor training alongside some other privileged students. At the age of 15, Eva-Maria started working towards
her International Coaching Certificate after attending coaching training. She finished NCEA Level 1 and 2 in 2006 at the
age of 16 and NCEA Level 3 halfway through 2007; one and a half years ahead of the average student. Her strong points
being in English and Mathematics. Eva-Maria spent a year writing “You Shut Up!” to offer suggestions and give valuable
insight for parents to help improve relationships with their teenager(s).
Eva-Maria lives life true to her name, which was given to her as a symbolic link between opposites. Eva – a name from
the West and Maria – from the East. Her name reflects the experiences and understanding she’s developed in life.
Eva-Maria strives to understand both sides to any story, to help compromise and settle misunderstandings that arise
between individuals and generations. Most of all she wants to give adults an insider look on everyday challenges
teenagers face. You will be amazed at the sense of responsibility these teenagers can show when it really counts.
Over 10% of book proceedings will be going to a special teenage orientated project Eva and her team are developing now.
Find out more at www.youshutup.co.nz
Eva-Maria’s goal is to improve one million parent-teenage relationships throughout the world. This book is only the
first step!
Share it with someone you love!
This book is a great summer read for parents of teenagers and everyone who wants get in touch with today’s youth.
ENDS