Last Reader Standing

Submitted by David Rosen on Sat, 11/09/2013 - 15:14
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Colleagues,

I would like to call to your attention a new book, Last Reader standing, The Story of a Man who Learned to Read at 54 by Archie Willard with Colleen Wiemerslage. Archie is an adult new reader whom I met when he and I were NIFL Literacy Leader Fellows in the mid 1990’s. Since then I have come to know a remarkable man who has overcome great reading disability obstacles, and has made outstanding contributions as a leader in the fields of adult literacy and health literacy.

The primary audience for the book is children and adults who have reading difficulties or reading disabilities. In the Epilogue, What I Believe, Archie writes “I want this book to help New Readers learn to believe in themselves so they can advocate for what they need. That’s why I formed VALUE [the national adult new reader organization in the U.S.] and continue to work to advance all forms of literacy.  Please use my examples of chance encounter and not missing opportunities to help you find your way, as I did. We also need parents and professionals to take on leadership roles in all areas of literacy as well as advocating for those who can’t.”

Archie continues, “I want those of you who are reading challenged to not ask for more than what you deserve, but not settle for less than what you should have,”

This inspiring book is about one person’s persistent and successful efforts over a lifetime to overcome his own dyslexia, and the shame that he felt as a child and as an adult who could not read. It is about how to listen and believe in a little voice that says, “Don’t be afraid, just do it.”

The book is an inspiration to all people working for adult literacy, but is especially important for adults who are struggling to learn to read.  Copies are available from major bookstores including online bookstores, and Archie may be available to attend state and national conferences to talk about the book and his life. He’s a great speaker, and he has written a moving story.

David J. Rosen

Djrosen123@gmail.com

Comments

Hello David,

I just had an opportunity to read this fantastic book.  My kindergartender actually brought it home from her school library and we read it before bed.  She is a new reader and is so proud of every word and sound she is able to identify.  You are right to say that Archie is brave and strong, and that the contribution of his story to new and struggling readers is a very important one.  I, too, encourage everyone to find a copy and take a look.

-- Heather

Thanks for mentioning this book, David! 

Archie has been a tireless advocate for new readers over the years, and also for health literacy. He has spoken at numerous conferences and helped to develop the New Readers of Iowa. See this link for a write-up of one of their conferences. 

http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/The_Iowa_New_Readers_of_Iowa_Coalition_Conference:_Building_Health_Literacy_Leaders

At the bottom, there's a link to a Policy Statement form the New Readers of Iowa. It is a plea with specific suggestions to help health care providers to treat their patients in a way that facilitates respect and understanding.

Thanks, Archie!

We are saddened at OCTAE to learn of the passing of Archie Willard. (See a lovely remembrance here.) Many of us in the Office had the good fortune to have met him and learned from him. I wanted to post a note in the Community and immediately found this lovely review by David Rosen of Archie's book, Last Reader Standing. It's worth bringing back up. Adult learners have so much to teach us as educators and fellow humans. Archie generously shared his story with us so that we could learn what learning was like through his experience. He also encouraged many other learners to share their stories and worked to create avenues for them to become leaders. He made a difference in our world and he made a lot of friends. He will be missed.

Heidi