Interview with Henry Winkler

Monday, January 21, 2008.

Interview with Henry Winkler [21:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Photo of Henry Winkler from the American Library Association According to the website ReadingSuccessLab.com, Government statistics show 25 million Americans are functionally illiterate. The primary cause is dyslexia or one of its many variants.

Through their children’s book series, Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever, co-authors Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler share the struggles and triumphs of a resourceful elementary school student as he deals with the challenges that come with dyslexia. The stories are based on Henry Winkler’s own experiences with the disorder.

On this edition of Just One More Book, Mark speaks with actor, director, producer and author, Henry Winkler about becoming an author and his relationship with Hank Zipzer, his struggles with reading and learning, and what we can do to help our children.

This is episode 300 of Just One More Book!!

UPDATE: Click here to see the transcript of this interview.

Photo: American Library Association

Filed under: Author, Interviews, Podcast

15 Comments »

Comment by Jen Robinson

January 21, 2008 @ 4:08 pm

This is a truly great interview, Andrea and Mark. So well researched, and just such wonderful content. I think that everyone, especially parents of kids who have any kind of learning difference, should listen to this.

Comment by Just One More Book!!

January 21, 2008 @ 5:59 pm

Jen,

Thank you!

I agree with you about the value of Mr. Winkler’s clear, honest message. Hearing first hand the perspective of someone who’s survived the many challenges of learning differences and come out smiling and working to help others is eye-opening and inspiring.

What an honour to help spread the message here.

Thanks for listening.

Comment by Whitney

January 21, 2008 @ 10:20 pm

This was a simply amazing interview. Totally compelling, and totally insightful into the struggles of reading for people with dyslexia.

I met Henry Winkler when he spoke at Centreville School a few years ago, and it was a wonderful, uplifting experience. My heart goes out and breaks for the suffering child he was, and the message of compassion for our kids- to know they are smart even if they struggle…he has wonderful insight, and he is making the world easier to understand for kids with dyslexia and their parents every day. Wow.

Comment by Paige

January 23, 2008 @ 10:09 am

I literally cried when I heard this. Well done!

Comment by christine tripp

January 23, 2008 @ 11:29 am

Wonderful interview Mark and Henry!!! I all sounded so like my childhood, back in “the day”, before there were “learning disabilities” before there was “dyslexia”, at a time when you were just being lazy, not trying and (as Mr. Winkler states) not living up to your potential. If it had not been for my ability to draw and set myself apart from the other kids who were doing well academically, I doubt I would have made it through school with any self esteem what so ever. I knew I was trying, I knew I wasn’t lazy but I couldn’t add, I couldn’t read a book out loud to the class and I couldn’t spell out the stories that lurked inside my mind. I was so lucky that I could “draw” them insead. When I do school visits/workshops for my books and Illustration work, I bring along my old report cards and read the teacher comments to the kids in the audience. I hope that I show them, no matter what is said about you, you have to find your voice and where ever it hids in you. You may not walk the traditional career path in life, but that’s ok, sometimes there is something waiting for you that is much, much better!
Cheers,
Chris

Comment by Just One More Book!!

January 23, 2008 @ 4:49 pm

Paige and Chris,

Thanks so much for listening and for leaving your thoughts.

Chris, it’s so wonderful that you are speaking to children about the challenges you faced. I think it’s a huge service to children — well all people — when we speak honestly about our struggles as well as our accomplishments.

Comment by Kimberly Kassner

February 27, 2008 @ 11:09 am

I just wanted to tell Henry that he touched my heart when he was on Oprah. I help thousands of students who learn differently (I KNOW how he felt) and wanted to share this SHORT (few minute) video that I’m sure will bring tears to his eyes. Please share it with him. I think he’ll be inspired! Maybe he’ll even get another book idea! http://www.youtube.com/empowermind

Thank you for all the great work you do reaching children!

Kimberly Kassner
Author of, You’re a Genius-And I Can Prove It!

Pingback by ALSC Blog » Blog Archive » Episode 2: Just One More Book!!

February 28, 2008 @ 10:15 pm

[...] Henry Winkler [...]

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December 6, 2008 @ 1:20 pm

[...] They are connected, and feature interviews with authors and the people passionate about writing. Henry Winkler (yes, that Henry Winkler), poet Jack Prelutsky, and Eleanor Wachtel, host of CBC’s Writers [...]

Comment by Joy

January 4, 2009 @ 4:12 pm

Does anyone know what age group his books are for?

Comment by Just One More Book!!

January 4, 2009 @ 4:34 pm

Joy
Hank is in grade 5

Comment by Susan Morita

January 6, 2009 @ 6:00 pm

I’m supposed to be doing a few tasks today and I’ve done none of them. I started thinking and writing about my elementary school experieces and the pain opened up again. I looked up dysflexia and found so much information I’d never before. Somehow I landed here and listened the interview with Henry. I’m shocked and happy that he somehow mananged graduate colledge and become the successful man he is. He and I born in the same year and I’m still living in my own life with no moon.

I will read more information to help myself. I thank you Henry for writing books for kids to understand their challenges and that there are successful people out and they can be one of them.

Comment by Karen Hopkins

February 10, 2009 @ 2:55 pm

I’m extremely greatful to Mr. Winkler for writting these books. I plan to purchase them for my nine year old son who has recently been diagnosed dyslexic. There is very little help in the public school setting. We had to pay a lot of money to have our son tested and for continued toutoring. My heart breaks for families who cannot afford these services. If a child cannot read he has trouble doing anything. How do we break though to the public school system on this subject? How do we find the funding for early intrevention in the public schools specific to dyslexia? Texas has a program why can’t the rest of the country? Dyslexia affects more children than ay public school I know will acknowledge.

Comment by Mrs.Seeberg

February 25, 2009 @ 9:57 am

These books are awesome.i’ve read the whole series.Are you going to write anymore books?Why did you choice to write books instead of acting?What was it like being the Fonz on “Happy Days”.

Pingback by Tomorrows Trust - A Review of Catholic Education » Blog Archive » Niagara Falls, or Does it? Zipzer writes stories on “does not live up to potential”

May 30, 2009 @ 7:52 am

[...] dyslexia, reading these books was like a flashback to childhood and my own early school struggles. Henry Winkler in an interview talks about his own struggles with dyslexia. The books tout Hank as the [...]

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