Looking for Heroes: One Boy, One Year, 100 Letters

By: Aidan A. Colvin, Liisa Ogburn

Narrated by: Liisa Ogburn

Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

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. At the end of the book, Aidan shares tips that have helped him succeed in the classroom.

©2016 Liisa Ogburn (P)2016 Liisa Ogburn

it's not a tool box but it is inspiration

while there are some good tips harnessing dyslexia, this is mostly an inspirational story for those confronting it.

I am a music teacher.

This short book gave me great insight into those that I teach who seem to struggle. It will help me have new ideas on how to help them. Anyone who works with a lot of people should read this.

Great Story

I love that Aidan took the initiative to send the letters, and I’ll be reading this book to my students. That said, I wish I had known at the outset that (spoiler alert) he received fewer than 10 responses to his 100 letters. That bummed me out, realizing that the story was over and I wasn’t going to hear any more responses. Maybe there’ll be a sequel.

Fabulous story!

Aiden's story is a great message to all kids - not just those with dyslexia. I can't wait for my dyslexic Daughter to hear this story - and hope she will listen over and over when she needs to remember it's up to her what happens in her life. Hard work can take you a long way. Couldn't put it down!

Great story and useful information

I really enjoyed this book. And the tips for dyslexic kids that are woven in.