Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
This is not an inspirational book. That's probably the thing I like best about it. It's just a memoir filled with recollections of how things were for Robert Hoge as he grew up with a physical disability (amputated legs) and an unusual face. There isn't a moral, but I feel I learned something anyway. I want to see more books like this that humanize disability, challenge stereotypes, and help redefine "normal."
Very readable. Clearly from the privilege of a straight white man, but also genuine. And I really appreciate how he talks about surgeries and who they're for and especially
A desperately needed #ownvoices alternative to the ubiquitous Wonder.
Spoiler
that he chose not to have major surgery to normalize his face as a teen.A desperately needed #ownvoices alternative to the ubiquitous Wonder.
Pretty simple writing but could be a good non-fiction companion for Wonder.
I was looking for a book for ESL year 10s of mixed ability, and I think I've found it.
Whilst the first two chapters are heartbreaking (and courageous and honest) the rest of the book was an easy read dealing with some typical growing up issues, and some very special ones.
I'm looking forward to using this text to teach inclusiveness and a different type of diversity to what ESL students are usually exposed to. A beautiful story.
Whilst the first two chapters are heartbreaking (and courageous and honest) the rest of the book was an easy read dealing with some typical growing up issues, and some very special ones.
I'm looking forward to using this text to teach inclusiveness and a different type of diversity to what ESL students are usually exposed to. A beautiful story.
A memoir, written at a level that children can read and understand...can't think of another I've read....Robert Hoge is from Australia...has made a good living writing...and so he tackles his own memoir.
Robert is the fifth of five children, and was born with several deformities. He had a huge tumor (huge for a newborn) on his face, obliterating his nose, and neither leg was correctly formed...his mother was unable to even look at him at first. And thus begins one of the most honest books I've read.
Robert's story is about surgeries and recovery. About going to school. About facing bullies...he has an interesting chapter about names classmates called him. He rates them on originality, hurtfulness, humor...and how they make him feel. His analytical approach to bullies could be very helpful for other children who are struggling.
Robert wants to belong, to play sports, to smile and laugh with his buddies. He wants control over his own life....and ultimately he DOES take control in a very courageous fashion.
The writing is clear and child-like...which will appeal to the audience he's trying to reach.
Robert Hoge is the role model many sensitive students need...someone who sees beyond his own disabilities and lousy luck, to find value in his life and a purpose for it.
Robert is the fifth of five children, and was born with several deformities. He had a huge tumor (huge for a newborn) on his face, obliterating his nose, and neither leg was correctly formed...his mother was unable to even look at him at first. And thus begins one of the most honest books I've read.
Robert's story is about surgeries and recovery. About going to school. About facing bullies...he has an interesting chapter about names classmates called him. He rates them on originality, hurtfulness, humor...and how they make him feel. His analytical approach to bullies could be very helpful for other children who are struggling.
Robert wants to belong, to play sports, to smile and laugh with his buddies. He wants control over his own life....and ultimately he DOES take control in a very courageous fashion.
The writing is clear and child-like...which will appeal to the audience he's trying to reach.
Robert Hoge is the role model many sensitive students need...someone who sees beyond his own disabilities and lousy luck, to find value in his life and a purpose for it.
I read this book with my fourth graders in mind, for a unit on social issues. It’s a good addition to the book bin on themes around accepting yourself and others different from you. Hoge has good humor in his writing that will appeal to young readers. He approaches the details of his disability with honesty. His story speaks to the universal search for self upper elementary students are beginning to embark upon.
Very inspiring story! I love books like this. They really help you to appreciate all you have, even if it’s not always ideal.
I bought this from a Scholastic book fair so I am assuming it is a middle school/YA memoir. Robert Hoge tells the story of growing up ‘ugly’, from his point of view as well as his parents. He discusses many aspects of his life from the surgeries, learning to walk with prosthetic legs, the friends he makes and the names he gets called. I enjoyed reading how he overcame so many challenges and still has a sense of humor. It is a ‘clean’ memoir with no swears, violence or sex. It would be a great pairing with a book like Wonder. 5th grade and up.
This is definitely a book aimed at younger kids, but it was still an interesting read. It is a good non-fiction companion to Wonder, and a fast read. The pictures at the end were a nice touch.
The writing was simple but the message was inspiring, uplifting, and important.