THE BOOK
Every Hero Has a Beginning
The Making of a Superhero – From the Projects to Purpose: Episode One is more than a book—it’s an origin story.
Told in a comic-inspired format, it follows Nathan L. Atkinson’s real-life journey from the projects of Joliet, Illinois, to a life built on faith, resilience, and purpose. Written for students who learn differently or struggle to see their potential, this story uses bold visuals and honest truth to show that limitations don’t define your future.
Because no matter where you start, you have the power to become more—and every hero has a beginning.
Meet
Nathan L. Atkinson
Author, coach, and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to helping others find purpose—no matter where they start.
Raised in the projects of Joliet, Illinois, Nathan faced learning disabilities, prejudice, and self-doubt early in life. Through faith, discipline, and perseverance, he transformed those challenges into strength.
His journey inspired The Making of a Superhero – From the Projects to Purpose, a series that blends real-life experience with a comic-style format to motivate others to uncover the hero within themselves. Today, Nathan mentors youth, builds resilience, and challenges people to choose purpose over circumstance—whether impacting one life or one hundred.
What People Are Saying About the Book
Please grab a copy of this book. No fluff. A story of courage, discipline, integrity, and service in the face of hardship.
Dr. Anom
L. Weatherspoon
I really enjoyed reading this book It was a read that gave the feeling of actually experiencing the life of a kid unfolding right before your eyes. Every chapter was a lesson for what can happen if you don't let your environment define or control the height of your success.
Ronald Atkins
Inspirational story from start to finish the discipline and dedication shown to his craft is unmeasurable keep changing the world, brother.
This isn’t just a story about overcoming obstacles, it’s an honest look at what it means to grow up surrounded by limitations and still choose purpose. This book doesn’t glamorize struggle, but it also doesn’t let it define him. Instead, it shows how mindset, discipline, and self-belief can slowly reshape a life, even when the odds are stacked against you. There were moments that made me pause and reflect on my own path and the choices that shape who I’m becoming. Thank you for inspiring us!
Kaitlin Morris
Great read. It inspires readers to understand that current circumstances is not what defines you, but it may be necessary to help guide you to your purpose.
Linda Moore
Corrine Thomas
Truly a profound book, focusing on the hardships of being raised in the projects, yet overcoming those challenges. Very inspiring and reinforces the idea that your environment does not dictate your future. Highly recommend reading.