The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory BY Thomas Fuller

The Boys of Riverside tells the remarkable story of a high school football team composed entirely of deaf players, who defied the odds to achieve an undefeated season. Written by New York Times reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief Thomas Fuller, the book offers a deep dive into the extraordinary journey of the California School for the Deaf's football team, led by their passionate and determined head coach, Keith Adams.

In November 2021, Fuller received an email that would change his perspective on the stories he typically covered, such as wildfires, war, and the pandemic. The email detailed the success of a little-known football team in Riverside, California, a state-run school with only 168 high school students. The story was compelling, uplifting, and a beacon of hope during the dark days of the pandemic. Fuller was drawn to the narrative of these underestimated boys and their superhero coach, himself a former deaf athlete, who together were breaking down stereotypes and proving their doubters wrong.

The Boys of Riverside chronicles the historic 2021 and 2022 seasons, offering an intimate look at the lives of the players and their coach. From a student who spent the season sleeping in his father's car to another who played through a broken leg, the book highlights the resilience, determination, and brotherhood that propelled this team to greatness. Fuller paints a vivid picture of high school athletics and the experience of deafness in America, showing how these young athletes turned what seemed impossible into a reality.

Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin sums it up perfectly: "The Boys of Riverside is another example of how anyone can achieve their dreams, making what appears impossible, possible."