Suitabook

The William Hoy story

Nancy Churnin

Reading: Read the story first, then pause over the signals and backmatter. Invite the child to notice which changes come from Hoy, and distinguish documented history from the book’s celebratory presentation.
Themes: Communication and access: Hoy cannot hear umpires’ calls and develops arm signals for baseball decisions. The book presents this favourably.
Persistence and recognition: Hoy is portrayed as a talented, hard-playing player who overcomes challenges and receives support from cheering fans. The language presents courage, determination and ingenuity positively, while the fans’ arm-waving suggests public recognition of his contribution.
Historical baseball change: Hoy’s signalling system is presented as becoming the norm for baseball games and remaining in use. The book offers an informational account of how a sporting practice is said to have developed through one player’s actions.
Worth knowing: The historical language around Hoy’s deafness may need gentle context, especially because the period’s nickname is reported as a term he used for himself. The extent of opposition or exclusion is not clear.