At just 12 years old, Isaac Redfearn already has a philosophy of life: “Live it the way it’s supposed to be lived. Don’t wait to do things. You might as well do it now and learn more about it.”

Isaac, a 7th grader at The Downtown School, puts that philosophy into practice in everything he does.

He’s published a book, Isaac’s Adventures in Paris, which is available on Amazon and in all Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools. The 28-page book includes photos from Isaac’s trips abroad and is the first in a series of books in which he shares his observations about countries he has visited.

“I like traveling the world and learning about the cultures,” Isaac said. “What made me want to write a book, I was thinking about how many places I’ve been. I thought, ‘Why not educate people on it? Educate them through my perspective.’ It shows how different other countries can be from ours.”

His books also highlight “the fun side, the currency, the food.” Isaac’s soon-to-be-released second book in his series will document his observations in Brazil, where his mother is from and her family still lives.

Isaac is the son of Ana and the late Jamie Neil Redfearn, a Wake Forest University graduate and football player, who died in 2018. Ana said that writing the books has helped in the grieving process. Isaac launched his business, Isaac's Many Adventures LLC, in 2019.

In addition to writing books, Isaac hosts “Let’s Talk” through Zoom to provide space for kids and teens to talk about racial equity, Black Lives Matter and other issues. Youth Pastor Jason Sloan helps him with his Zoom meetings as a moderator. Guest speakers have included Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines and Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough. “The goal is to raise awareness,” Isaac said.

Isaac said he Joined Crosby Scholars “to expand my mindset. I like gaining information on things. It’s also fun to do community service.” He especially enjoys visiting local nursing homes and sharing cupcakes with the residents. He donates a portion of book sales to orphanages in Brazil, where his grandmother lives, and he visits.

“After I’ve gone [to Brazil], I realize how we have so much,” he said. “It’s just good to give back.”

The Winston-Salem Chronicle recognized Isaac as 2020 Youth of the Year through its community awards. He received a Certification of Recognition from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System and won a free mentorship from Rod Brown and Max Maxwell after a Pitch Competition, his mother said.

Isaac learns from each of his experiences. He said his mentors are helping him with his YouTube channel on which he shares videos of his adventures. He’s learning about real estate from his mother. He may follow his dad and pursue his education at Wake Forest University, and he may try focusing on tennis because his parents both love tennis. No matter how his future evolves, Isaac said, “I’m probably going to keep being an author.”

For more information, go to www.isaacsadventures.com.

- Kathy Norcross Watts February 11, 2021