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Material Type | Library | Call Number | Item Barcode | Location |
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Book | Searching... Andover - Memorial Hall Library | BIOGRAPHY HOGE, RO. / TEEN | 31330008100665 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Amesbury Public Library | JB HOGE | 32114002316280 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Amesbury Public Library | YA B HOGE | 32114002454396 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Billerica Public Library | J B/HOGE | 33934004283371 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Groveland - Langley-Adams Library | B HOGE | 32121000703849 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Lowell - Pollard Memorial Library | J-B HOGE, R. | 31481005183657 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Merrimac Public Library | J 92 HOG | 32125001189494 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Rockport Public Library | YA B / HOGE | 32129002168788 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... West Newbury - G.A.R. Memorial Library | J 92 HOGE | 32135001341771 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Westford - J.V. Fletcher Library | YA B HOGE | 31990004383266 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Westford - J.V. Fletcher Library | J B HOGE | 31990004383563 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Wilmington Memorial Library | KIDS BIOGRAPHY HOGE | 32136003178906 | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
A funny, moving, and true story of an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face that's perfect for fans of Wonder-- now available in the U.S.
When Robert Hoge was born, he had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs. Surgeons removed the tumor and made him a new nose from one of his toes. Amazingly, he survived--with a face that would never be the same.
Strangers stared at him. Kids called him names, and adults could be cruel, too. Everybody seemed to agree that he was "ugly." But Robert refused to let his face define him. He played pranks, got into trouble, had adventures with his big family, and finally found a sport that was perfect for him to play. And Robert came face to face with the biggest decision of his life, he followed his heart.
This poignant memoir about overcoming bullying and thriving with disabilities shows that what makes us "ugly" also makes us who we are. It features a reflective foil cover and black-and-white illustrations throughout.
Reviews (4)
Bookseller Publisher Review
Robert Hoge was born in Brisbane in 1972 with a massive tumour on his forehead, distorted facial features and deformed legs. As a toddler he underwent operations to correct his facial deformities as doctors were concerned that without surgery, he would have no chance of normal socialisation. Robert's early years were spent in and out of hospital and doctors' appointments, his development constantly measured and monitored. Despite these trials, Robert's personality-precocious, funny, and with a zest for life and learning-shines through from a young age. He meets his challenges head on and once he starts school he wants to be involved in everything. As Robert approaches adolescence he is given the option for more corrective surgery, but with potentially life-threatening consequences. He chooses not to go ahead with the surgery, demonstrating again his strength of character, and that what matters is your intelligence rather than your appearance. It is a testament to the Hoge family, who loved and supported Robert and instilled in him such a strong sense of self-belief and can-do attitude. This is an incredible life story that will no doubt attract much publicity and discussion about beauty, ugliness and how we value ourselves. Sarina Gale is a freelance writer and bookseller at the Sun Bookshop in Yarraville
School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-This memoir, set in Australia, is a heartbreaking account of being born and living with severe physical deformities. As a child, Hoge was in general healthy, but his mother initially did not want to keep him because of his appearance-he was born with mangled legs and a large tumor in the middle of his face. Doctors predicted that surgery might kill him. Nevertheless, they proceeded with several operations to "fix" Hoge in the hopes they would help improve his life. As the years passed, Hoge experienced many ups and downs; he was able to make some loyal friends but was also teased by other children. Readers follow as he tries playing sports, attends summer camp, unsuccessfully auditions for a junior choir, and performs in a talent show. In the midst of all these efforts at having a more traditional childhood, Hoge underwent multiple surgeries to "improve" his face, as he understandably wished to belong. And despite wanting to look more "normal," Hoge later made a conscious decision not to have any more operations. The text is enormously accessible; Hoge draws readers in with creative language and analogies to help clarify and set the tone of his complex story. For instance, the book begins with the direction "Imagine you're in art class," with Hoge going on to detail the process of sculpting a face as a way to describe his own appearance. Pencil illustrations sprinkled throughout help set the scene for readers. VERDICT This empowering story will reach even the hardest of hearts. Recommended for its message of tolerance and acceptance.-Jess Gafkowitz, New York Public Library © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Writing with humor, honesty, compassion, and grace, Hoge recounts his life story, having been born with such severe physical deformities that his mother refused to see him. "Don't even consider bringing him home," a doctor said, "just forget him"-advice his four older siblings voted to ignore. Corrective surgeries continued throughout Hoge's childhood as his medical team worked to give him "a new face that was more acceptable to society." Hoge captures the nuances of his atypical experience; for example, he acknowledges "the doctors' wonderful ingenuity in making me a new nose" out of an amputated toe, but "Toe Nose" tops his list of hurtful nicknames ("To this day, it's the one nickname that has any real power over me"). Hoge's parents' determination to provide him with as normal an upbringing as possible, combined with his own outgoing nature and desire to participate in all activities, makes his coming-of-age story unique and universal. His first independent medical decision testifies to the power of a loving family and a courageous soul. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. Illustrator's agency: Bright Agency. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
From the first sentence (I'm the ugliest person you've never met), this memoir is guaranteed to grab attention. Native Australian Hoge, now 44, writes of his struggles and triumphs after being born with misshapen legs and a tennis-ball-sized tumor on his face. Though surgery shortly after his birth removed the tumor, he still had abnormally wide-set eyes and no nose at all, only nostrils. Before Hoge was five, he'd had both legs amputated and endured life-threatening surgery to make his face more acceptable for others to see. His most-hated nickname in middle school was toe nose cartilage from his amputated right foot was used to build a new nose. Despite all this, his family's unconditional support helped him cope with the surgeries, stares, and teasing he endured, and he reflects humorously on his attempts to ride a bike or woo his dream girl in fourth grade. In this honest, painful, and often funny memoir, readers will identify with Hoge's realization that everyone is different, and his are just different differences. --Rawlins, Sharon Copyright 2016 Booklist