Great teachers are often remembered not for what they taught, but for the impact they had on lives. James R. Riddle, decorated U.S. Army veteran, award-winning educator, and bestselling author, is one of those rare figures who moves seamlessly between classrooms, bookshelves, and spiritual reflections. His life points back to a singular conviction: words, when spoken with faith, have the power to shape reality.

Later this year, his work will be recognized on one of literature’s most prestigious stages. Riddle is scheduled to attend the International Impact Book Awards Hollywood Grand Gala on October 4, 2025, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. The event, celebrated as “one of the most prestigious nights in literature, media, and business,” will highlight leaders whose words and contributions continue to influence readers and communities worldwide.

From Service to Storytelling

Before becoming an educator and author, Riddle served honorably in the U.S. Army, earning commendations including two Department of the Army Civilian Service Medals during the Gulf War. But his most enduring battlefield has been the classroom. After graduating with honors in English: Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso, he began a career in teaching that would redefine the boundaries of education.

For Riddle, teaching was never about lesson plans alone. It was about helping students discover voices they didn’t know they had. He empowered at-risk students not only to improve their literacy but also to publish books, such as Migrant 915 and Inheritance of Hate, projects recognized by government leaders, including the U.S. Congress. Stories of struggling readers who went on to outscore 75,000 peers statewide on reading programs became part of his legend as an educator.

The Classroom as a Publishing House

Riddle’s classrooms became laboratories of empowerment. Students were not passive recipients of knowledge but active creators of it. His philosophy was simple: if young people could see themselves as authors, they could see themselves as architects of their own lives. The results were undeniable. Awards like Achieve3000 District Educator of the Year and seven-time Campus Educator of the Year testify to his success. Still, Riddle himself is more interested in the invisible currency of transformation: the moment a student realizes their story matters.

The Power of Affirmations

Parallel to his educational career, Riddle developed a literary voice rooted in faith, philosophy, and personal empowerment. His Complete Personalized Promise Bible series became an international bestseller, with Walmart placing a record order of more than 100,000 copies. Building on that foundation, Riddle launched the Power Affirmations series. This project focuses on wisdom from history’s great thinkers, biblical kings like David and Solomon, and modern-day entrepreneurs, into actionable affirmations.

• Power Affirmations from the Wisdom of History’s Greatest Minds reframes quotes from philosophers, poets, and leaders into daily declarations.
• Power Affirmations from the Wisdom of King David explores the raw creative force of faith through the Psalms.
• Power Affirmations from the Wisdom of King Solomon highlights the centrality of wisdom in shaping every area of life.
• Power Affirmations from the Wisdom of Today’s Success Masters translates the insights of entrepreneurs and athletes into affirmations for the modern world.

Across these volumes, the message is consistent: faith and words, infused with emotion, create reality.

An Award-Winning Guide to Superhuman Potential

Alongside his acclaimed Power Affirmations series, Riddle’s book Faith, Focus, and Flow: The Three Keys That Unlock Your Superhuman Power has earned recognition as a 2025 Finalist for Author of the Year at the International Impact Book Awards. This transformational guide blends faith, neuroscience, and peak performance psychology to show readers how to activate belief, sharpen concentration, and live in the effortless state of flow. More than theory, it offers a practical roadmap for leaders, creatives, and visionaries who are ready to rise above limitations and step boldly into their full potential.

Innovation Beyond the Page

Riddle’s influence extends beyond books and classrooms. He has written curriculum for restorative discipline and social-emotional learning, served as lead researcher for the TIPPS Grant presented to the Texas Education Agency, and founded Mr. Riddle’s Class, LLC to mentor aspiring writers. His YouTube channel, The Christian Alchemist, further broadens his reach, blending spiritual reflection with practical empowerment for a digital audience.

The Heart of a Visionary

What makes James Riddle compelling is not simply his achievements but his paradoxes. A soldier who turned to teaching. An educator who turned students into authors. A man of faith who insists wisdom is available to all, regardless of background—a bestselling author who still dedicates himself to guiding individual students and emerging writers.

His life could be summarized in one affirmation, the kind he would ask his readers to say aloud: “I am more than what I have been told I am. I am capable of creating worlds with my words.”

Conclusion

In an age where education often bends under the weight of bureaucracy and publishing is dominated by commercial trends, James Riddle stands out as a reminder that words matter. His books invite readers to speak wisdom into their own lives. His classrooms remind students that stories can be weapons against despair. His life testifies to the enduring power of service, scholarship, and vision.

On October 4, 2025, when Riddle steps into the spotlight at the International Impact Book Awards Hollywood Grand Gala, it will not only honor his past accomplishments but also signal the continuing relevance of his mission: to transform lives through faith, freedom, and the power of the written word.

Event Details

This is your chance to meet James R. Riddle at one of the biggest events of the year. Here are the details of the event:

• Event Name: International Impact Book Awards: Hollywood Grand Gala
• Tagline: The Most Prestigious Night in Literature, Media, and Business
• Date: October 4, 2025
• Venue: Loews Hollywood Hotel
• Address: 1755 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028