HB Reads One Book is honored to share this year’s book selection, “The Boys of Riverside,” written by Thomas Fuller, an American Journalist who chronicles two seasons with the California School for the Deaf, Riverside football team. Fuller followed the players and coaches as they pursued a Championship title.
The California School for the death was founded in 1949 and welcomed its first class in 1953. In the school’s history, the football team had only nine winning seasons. When Thomas Fuller learned the team was undefeated in 2021, he took a leave of absence as a reporter for the New York Times and followed the team on their journey to the state championship.
Throughout the book, Fuller weaves in historical and medical research about deafness and Deaf culture. He attributes the team’s success to their shared identity as Deaf athletes in a hearing world and comes to understand that being deaf can be an advantage on the field.
Fuller will be HB Reads’ featured author in 2026. He will speak March 19 at the HB Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. A silent auction and Q&A with the author will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by an open presentation and discussion at 7 p.m. Tickets and details are available at www.hbreads.org.
Laird Hayes, a former NFL official for 23 years, will serve as guest moderator.
HB Reads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes diversity and literacy in local high schools.
For the past 18 years, HB Reads has worked to foster greater community understanding and an inclusive environment. Donations may be made at www.hbreads.org.