Additional information
by William Wise (Author), Adam Gustavson (Illustrator)
The biography of William Ellsworth Hoy, the first deaf player to have a successful career in professional and Major League baseball.
Now in paperback!
William Hoy loved baseball. Growing up in the 1860s and '70s, he dreamed of one day playing in the major leagues. A far-off fantasy for many boys, fulfilling this dream was even more of a long shot for William, who was deaf.
Striving to find his place in a hearing world, Hoy became a shoemaker. He took pride in his work, but baseball was still his real love. When an amateur team coach saw him playing behind the shoemaker's shop, Hoy dazzled the coach with his hard-hitting skills. Moving from amateur clubs to the minor leagues and eventually to the majors, Hoy proved himself again and again-overcoming obstacles and becoming a star both on and off the baseball diamond.
Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy is a tribute to one of the most inspirational figures in baseball history. A talented player with a standout record, Hoy is a shining example that success in life should not be measured by differences but by drive and determination.
Author Biography
Bill Wise is an avid baseball fan, first heard about William Hoy when he was a child. Years later, after further research, Wise was inspired to bring Hoy's remarkable story to young readers. Wise and his family live in Gorham, Maine.
Adam Gustavson has illustrated more than twenty highly praised books for children. In spite of his lack of baseball-playing skill, Gustavson enthusiastically embraced William Hoy's story and spent months researching baseball rules, uniforms, and stadiums in use during Hoy's lifetime. Gustavson is also a part-time art educator at the college level. He lives in West Orange, New Jersey, with his family.
