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Always Ask for Help
Always Ask for Help tells the inspirational true story of Arnie Stewart in his own words. His story highlights the real life effects of never learning to read and write. Follow the story from Arnie's humble beginnings as an extremely impoverished child growing up with 11 siblings in the small mining town of Cobalt, Ontario Canada to his journey through fatherhood and eventually his work with teacher and friend, Janet Lee. Always Ask for Help is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Arnie Stewart, a humble man who inspired thousands of individuals through his story of education, literacy, and never giving up hope.
Arnie's Story.
The Arnie card was distributed to over 28,000 children and adults. This card was a way for students to ask for help. Initially meant for academics this card helped children ask for help with living situations, hunger, and hopelessness. Its powerful message is a reminder to never give up and always ask for help.
"When there is help there is hope." - Arnie Stewart
Arnie's Story.
The Arnie card was distributed to over 28,000 children and adults. This card was a way for students to ask for help. Initially meant for academics this card helped children ask for help with living situations, hunger, and hopelessness. Its powerful message is a reminder to never give up and always ask for help.
"When there is help there is hope." - Arnie Stewart
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 16, 2025
Always Ask for Help is the true story of Arnie Stewart, told with Janet Lee. What sets it apart is that Arnie speaks in his own words—unpolished, colloquial, and honest. The book keeps his voice intact, so it feels like a conversation.
Arnie began adulthood unable to read or write. As someone who relies on literacy every day, I hadn’t fully grasped how text saturates life until I read this book. Grocery lists, forms, job applications, street signs—what I consider simple becomes obstacles. Arnie’s workarounds reveal a sharp, adaptive mind, challenging the link people make between literacy and intelligence.
Janet Lee’s role adds warmth and purpose. We see how they met and how their friendship became advocacy—visiting schools and urging students to do the bravest simple thing: ask for help. The “Arnie card” keeps that message clear and memorable.
This is a feel-good story, but not because it avoids hardship. It’s uplifting because it treats vulnerability as a source of strength and community as a source of change. The heart of the book is simple: none of us gets through life alone, and asking for help is not failure—it’s a skill. Arnie’s journey shows what becomes possible when shame loosens its grip and support steps in.
Arnie began adulthood unable to read or write. As someone who relies on literacy every day, I hadn’t fully grasped how text saturates life until I read this book. Grocery lists, forms, job applications, street signs—what I consider simple becomes obstacles. Arnie’s workarounds reveal a sharp, adaptive mind, challenging the link people make between literacy and intelligence.
Janet Lee’s role adds warmth and purpose. We see how they met and how their friendship became advocacy—visiting schools and urging students to do the bravest simple thing: ask for help. The “Arnie card” keeps that message clear and memorable.
This is a feel-good story, but not because it avoids hardship. It’s uplifting because it treats vulnerability as a source of strength and community as a source of change. The heart of the book is simple: none of us gets through life alone, and asking for help is not failure—it’s a skill. Arnie’s journey shows what becomes possible when shame loosens its grip and support steps in.
January 20, 2025
Thought provoking, message of hope for those who have struggled or are struggling in their lives, never give up and always ask for help
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews