Tony Vaughan, the author of the book “I Can Read,” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Drawing from his own professional life, Vaughan was inspired to tell a story that reflects both the joys of firefighting and the everyday challenges young people face. Jason’s struggle with reading—juxtaposed with his passion for becoming a junior firefighter—speaks to the idea that obstacles can help us grow stronger. By incorporating a junior firefighter program into the narrative, Vaughan highlights mentorship, community support, and the belief that anyone can rise above their limitations. His hope seems to be to encourage young readers to stick with their goals, even when the path isn’t easy.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
In “I Can Read,” readers meet Jason, a young boy whose dream of becoming a junior firefighter hinges on passing a reading test—something he struggles with. As the test date approaches, Jason wrestles with embarrassment and frustration. But with each page, he learns that hard work matters. Through encouragement, possibly from teachers, family, or fellow firefighters, Jason practices reading, grows in confidence, and inches closer to his goal. Narrated in simple yet impactful prose, the story emphasizes persistence in the face of difficulty, culminating in a moment of triumph that reinforces the message: with effort and belief, you can conquer hard things and realize your dreams
Tony Vaughan, the author of I Can Read, brings real-world credibility to the story. With a 36-year career as a firefighter, Tony not only understands the excitement and duties of firefighting but also the mentorship firefighters often provide to youth. Based in Jackson, Tennessee, Vaughan has now turned to children’s literature to share a powerful message of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. His background and experience add authenticity to Jason’s dream and journey.
I Can Read is an uplifting, earnest picture book for young readers that combines the excitement of firefighting with the universal hurdle of struggling to read. By drawing from his 36-year career as a firefighter, Vaughan delivers a story full of authenticity, support, and growth.
This book is a great pick for parents, teachers, and mentors wanting to share a message of perseverance rooted in real-world inspiration. Give it to any young dreamer who needs a reminder that with dedication, even a blocked path can be overcome.
To delve deeper into Tony’s inspiration behind his book and its content, you can see the full interview below: