The Boys of Riverside

A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory

By: Thomas Fuller

Narrated by: Thomas Fuller

NAMED A BEST BOOK BY BOOK RIOT, AND MORE! • The incredible story of an all-deaf high school football team’s triumphant climb from underdog to undefeated, their inspirational brotherhood, a fascinating portrait of deafness in America, and the indefatigable head coach who spearheaded the team, by New York Times reporter and Page One Correspondent, Thomas Fuller.

"The Boys of Riverside is another example of how anyone can achieve their dreams, making what appears impossible, possible.” —Marlee Matlin, Academy Award winner

"Remarkable"—Wall Street Journal • "Narrative nonfiction at its finest, filled with drama, detail and action."—Los Angeles Times • "Inspiring." —Parade.com

In November 2021, an obscure email from the California Department of Education landed in New York Times reporter, Thomas Fuller’s, inbox. The football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, a state-run school with only 168 high school students, was having an undefeated season. After years of covering war, wildfires, pandemic, and mass shootings, Fuller was captivated by the story of this group of high school boys. It was uplifting. During the gloom of the pandemic, it was a happy story. It was a sports story but not an ordinary one, built on the chemistry between a group of underestimated boys and their superhero advocate coach, Keith Adams, a deaf former athlete himself. The team, and Adams, tackled the many stereotypes and seemed to be succeeding. Fuller packed his bags and drove seven hours to the Riverside campus.

The Boys of Riverside looks back at the historic 2021 and 2022 seasons in which the California School for the Deaf chased history. It follows the personal journeys of their dynamic deaf head coach, and a student who spent the majority of the season sleeping in his father’s car in the Target parking lot. It tells the story of a fiercely committed player who literally played through a broken leg in order not to miss a crucial game, as well as myriad other heart-wrenching and uplifting narratives of players who found common purpose. Through their eyes, Fuller reveals a portrait of high school athletics, inspiring camaraderie, and deafness in America.

Great Story

I learned some things I didn’t know before about the deaf community. It was a great TRUE story of how hard work and determination can pay off!

Where is the movie?

Fuller's research and talent combine to make this a fascinating listen. I really enjoyed the story.

Just the best!

I have a daughter with a hearing loss who wears a cochlear implant as described in the book. I always knew she could do anything she set her mind to, and she has proven me right. She’s also a football fan and when I finished this audiobook, I immediately sent her a printed copy.

The author’s audio performance is also outstanding.

Outstanding

Fast paced, educational , uplifting , interesting! It’s a great book for a book club or stand alone.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Being a sports enthusiast, I enjoyed reading this book because of the compelling compassion of Coach Adam's and his message to his players! I highly recommend this book!