The William Hoy Story

This rousing underdog story from newcomers Churnin and Tuya introduces William Hoy, who became a major-league baseball player in the 1880s, despite being left deaf from a childhood bout with meningitis. Though an early manager tried to take advantage of him, and teammates would hide their mouths so Hoy couldn't read their lips, Hoy taught his teammates American Sign Language--symbols that Hoy eventually got umpires to use, too, and (possibly) helped pave the way for officiating gestures still in use. Tuya's bright cartoons give a solid sense of the period, as well as Hoy's pride, satisfaction--and some hurtful moments--on his way to becoming "king of center field." An afterword provides additional details about Hoy's life, personality, and influence. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Charlie Bowden, Pickled Ink. (Mar.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 3—This picture book biography demonstrates how an extraordinary deaf player from the early days of baseball made a lasting contribution to the game. The ambitions of William Hoy (1862-1961) were clear from the start. The boy thought of little other than baseball and practiced tirelessly in hopes of playing on a team. Achieving his goal brought challenges that he didn't expect, but giving up was not an option. Hoy realized that better communication was needed and knew just the way to do it. While he was not the only person to introduce hand signals to the game, he did popularize their use among players and fans. The book is well told and charmingly illustrated in a semirealistic style that conveys Hoy's emotions. Those who enjoyed Audrey Vernick's Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team (Clarion, 2012) will want to read this engaging biography. VERDICT This is the largely unknown story of a differently abled athlete's valuable addition to the great American pastime.—Paige Mellinger, Gwinnett County Public Libraries, Lillburn, GA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Nominee: 2018-2019 Louisiana Young Readers' Choice List, Grades 3-5

"The Louisiana Young Readers' Choice program was founded in 1999 with the first award given in 2000. Participation in this program has climbed from 5,485 votes the first year to over 29,000 students participating in 2009. The purpose of the program is to foster a love of reading in the children of Louisiana by motivating them to participate in the recognition of outstanding books."