Looking for Heroes: One Boy, One Year, 100 Letters 2nd Edition

by Aidan Colvin

An estimated 13 million students in the United States have dyslexia, a neurologic disorder that impairs reading. Reading quickly and accurately is often the key to success in school. Without it, many dyslexics struggle and fail. Some, however, go on to achieve wild success. How? In this true story, dyslexic high school student Aidan Colvin decides to ask them. Over the course of one year, he writes 100 letters to successful dyslexics. He doesn't expect anyone to write back, and is genuinely surprised when people do. This book features letters from Writer John Irving, Arctic Explorer Ann Bancroft, Surgeon and CEO Delos Cosgrove, Sculptor Thomas Sayre, Poet Phillip Schultz and others. It also features conversations with Comedian Jay Leno and Filmmaker Harvey Hubbel. This is a story about growing up, fostering grit and humor in the face of challenges, and seeing one's differences in a new light. It is also a story about the importance of heroes -- for kids like Aidan, but also for anyone. Throughout the book, Aidan shares tips that have helped him succeed in the classroom. Aidan was awarded the 2016 Remy Johnston Merit Award by the International Dyslexia Association. Since then, he has spoken to over 2500 students, teachers and parents across the country about the lessons he learned over the course of this project. This second edition provides a layout and Dutch font optimized for struggling readers. While the page count increased from 107 pages to 152 in this edition, the actual content did not.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Memoir

164 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2016

Reviews

[Linda]

This is the story of a young man who was diagnosed as having a learning disability when he was in third grade. He spent a few years in a special school for students with LD, but came back to public school in North Carolina for sixth grade. He had trouble adjusting to the new school. While he was in the previous school, he and his mom made a poster in order to encourage him that he was not alone and he could accomplish something. The poster consisted of pictures of famous people who have dyslexia such as Jay Leno, Whoopi Goldberg, explorer Ann Bancroft, and Paul Orfea the founder of Kinko's.
Aidan decides to write 100 letters to known famous dyslexics and ask them for advice. The result is this book written by that young man with the guidance of his mother.
The book includes notes from both Aidan and his mom to help others who have the same problem. It was wonderful to read through the changes in Aidan's attitude as he received letters in response to his query.
It is just over 100 pages, but I would recommend it to anyone who does not understand what people with this disabling condition go through - people who look "normal" yet struggle with something that seems so easy to many of us.

[Jadslo]

Very good! Such an inspiring tale for those with learning differences or not. Recommend to those who work with students, have a child with any learning difference or those who love stories that inspire!

[laura k holt]

I loved this book. An easy, quick read, and it gives so much insight into the life of someone with dyslexia. Heartwarming and well written.

[Tricia]

I love this story of grit and perseverance and coming to terms with any challenge life throws our way. This is a must-read for all kids and parents of kids who struggle with dyslexia. It would also appeal to anyone navigating a disappointment or challenge in life - all of us!

[Melanie]

Good book. Highly recommend. (disclaimer: a few curse words)

He wrote several famous dyslexics and got responses from 10, including his favorite: Jay Leno.

His final conclusion :
"I know understood there wasn't any magic to becoming a great surgeon (etc.).... Dyslexic or not, you simply had to put in the time. Stay positive. And focused. Persist even when, or maybe especially when, in doubt." p.151

[Eduardo Saldana]

From a dyslexia teacher

This book has given me even more passion for teaching. I love what I do but now I have another "why". Why do I teach children with dyslexia? They are looking for heroes and I can encourage them to become the heroes of their own story. That's actually our school's mission statement. Funny huh?

[Ky]

I LOVED this book. Written by a young dyslexic, it is about his project to write famous dyslexics over the course of a year and find out how they succeeded. Through the book, the main character grows and gets lots of recommendations about succeeding in life. The writing level is perfect for my students (sixth graders with dyslexia). I look forwad to sharing it with them this year.

[Crystal]

Amazing book

This is a great book full of encouragement for people who have dyslexia. Actually, it is full of encouragement for anyone. We all have to work hard, but not all of us struggle with dyslexia. Excellent book, well written, encouraging, funny, uplifting.

[Jan]

As a teacher of dyslexic students, I was excited to read this book. I have to say it did not disappoint. The events were interesting and the book is filled with good advice. I'm grateful that Aiden shared his journey and I look forward to sharing his book with others.

[Myra Loy]

One of my friend's relatives wrote this when he was in high school. This was a very heartwarming tale of how he grew to understand and overcome his diagnosis of dyslexia while also growing in how he saw himself. Highly recommend. Very sweet.

[Sharon Sandman]

Wow. Great story

A great story from a great young man. So very encouraging. Hope to have my students read this and understand, they too can make a dream come true.

[Catherine]

A must read for anyone who loves a child with dyslexia - a great book to read with a child. This is a book of hope and encouragement.

[Lorin Caffelle]

Easy read that was engaging, heartwarming, and informative.

[Tiffanie Bv]

I wanted to read it before I let my dyslexic son read it. Good real life testimonial and loved the inspiration behind the book. Plan to let my son listen via Audible now.

[Christine]

Great story showing that we should focus on our strengths and what we can do, not what we can't do. I really enjoyed reading it!

[Rachel]

See what it’s really like to have dyslexia. As a reading specialist, I shared this book with the mother of child I work with who has dyslexia. Warning, it’s a tear jerker.

[DJ Fedorka]

Wonderful book!

Such a wonderful perspective to share. I am a tutor for Dyslexics. I plan on buying this book for my students. Thank you so much for sharing your journey!

[Jennifer Pittman]

This book was a welcomed breath of fresh air as a mom looking for ways to support my struggling daughter who has dyslexia. It was thoughtful, practical, sweet and encouraging.

[Nikki]

I loved this book, it was a easy read and really helped see dyslexia from a different angle. It was so inspiring and can’t wait for my son, who is dyslexic, to read it.

[Erin]

Sweet, real, simple story about perseverance and what it feels like to feel like a failure and why you should keep moving forward...great for young adults to read as well.

[Cynthia Judkins]

Great, book! Well written (nice use of photos) and inspiring. I wish I could convince my 10 year old to read or listen to it.

[Wendy Leonard-Richardson]

Great book! As a dyslexic raising and homeschooling dyslexic children, I am always on the lookout for more information on dyslexia.

First I want to say, I only recently learned I have dyslexia. I just knew that reading and math were extremely difficult, I spent considerably more time studying than my peers, and I am rather slow with reading and math. Now as an adult, already successfully completed college, I learn what dyslexia really is. So many of these ideas, tricks, and resources are new to me. I want to learn more primarily to help my kids. I do not want them to cry because reading is so hard as I did. I don't want them to spend ridiculous amounts of time struggling though books or math problems, when there are other options-man oh man I wish I had some of those when I was in school.

This book is not only inspiring but also informative. It is a story of one boy's journey struggling to find his way and learning to live with dyslexia. He is helped along by several well known people through the letters he sent seeking advice.

I read the kindle version of this book. The pictures of the letters he received were tough to see in this version. I use a paperwhite so the screen is black and white as well as small (typically I love it for the clear picture and I can increase the font size to almost children's size-it makes it easier to read for me). But for this book, it made it a bit tougher. If you have the ability, buy the paper version. But the eBook was still very good. You can gather all the pertinent information in the letters (in the pictures) from the text.

[Libby Patton]

I'm still overwhelmed by this book. Aidan, a high school student with dyslexia, embarks on a project to ask successful people with dyslexia how they became successful. He eventually writes 100 people and asks them four basic questions. Most don't respond (he's not sure how many of them actually received his letter - most have "people" who read their mail for them), but a few do. Along the way, Aidan receives and applies their words of wisdom, finding his strengths, challenging himself, and working hard.

Aidan's story is very similar to my daughter's story, and they encountered many of the same challenges - a public school system that wasn't educated in dyslexia, speciality private schools at significant cost, and the power of believing in oneself. A friend of my daughter's recommended this to her and she passed it along to her dad and me. We both read it today, in one sitting (each). I cried most of the way through because it felt really personal to me, but this is not a sad story - it is a triumphant one!

I also agree with the references mentioned in the book - particularly those of Dr. Sally Shaywitz (both her book, Overcoming Dyslexia, and Yale's Center for Dyslexia and Creativity) and of the Orton-Gillingham method.

[Kim]

A high school kid with dyslexia and ADD writes letters to 100 famous/successful dyslexics asking them the secret of their success. The book isn't so much about their answers as it is about the boy, Aidan, and the process of writing the letters, the book, high school, self discovery, family life, and growing up.

It's better written than I ever expected, interesting and chock full of dyslexia/ADD tips from Aidan. I didn't think I could have MORE insight into the 2 conditions, and I thought I knew all the tips already, yet there are more. Furthermore, it was just a fun read -- very likable. I passed it on to my 11yo after I read it, and he liked it, too.

[Adri]

This book gets 4 stars for heart; for Aidan’s grit; for the celebration of the amazing abilities found within the learning disability of dyslexia. Although Aidan found inspiration in the words other successful dyslexics sent him, I find Aidan to be inspiring. He shows that he’s got the determination to succeed and overcome dyslexia. Bravo, Aidan!

[Hg]

Awesome

This is the most inspiring book I have read in ages. It's a wonderful book of inspiring ideas and encouragement for kids with dyslexia. Loved it.

[Christine]

Great insight to being dyslexic!

[Susan]

Fantastic autobiography of a 16 year old dyslexic and ambitious project that came from struggling to keep trying twice as hard. This book is good for everyone. EVERYONE! Quick read. Charming!

[Landon Dowell]

I when he was struggling I related to him. The advice the people that responded gave really gave me hope in my struggles. Thank you for writing this book!
(my mom had to type this out for me)