Ugly

A Beautiful True Story about One Very Ugly Kid

By: Robert Hoge

Narrated by: Robert Hoge

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.

©2016 Robert Hoge (P)2016 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Eminently readable...a gripping readaloud, readalone, and discussion point all on its own." (BCCB)

"Writing with humor, honesty, compassion, and grace…Hoge captures the nuances of his atypical experience…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." (Publishers Weekly)

"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'." (Booklist)

inspirational

amazing cool best book ever #be who you are #love yourself best inspiration ever in life

Omg cannot wait to read this

I just listen to the sample and I immediately bought it it is the most interesting book I’ve ever had can’t wait to read it on my trip to Christmas i’m going to Ohio from Texas

Ugly Robert Hoge.

Awesome, amazing ,fantastic ,beautiful, heart stopping, courageous, you should read it, it is really beautiful.

Truly an amazing story.

I hope he writes a more in-depth narrative on his mental and emotional victories he had growing up in this unforgiving world. I've learned from his story and many others will also

OMG I love this book 😍😍

it is the best book I ever listened to!!!
I love t so much I love love love it!!!!!!!!!

wow

It was so interesting to listen to this story. I taught a student who was born with a similar mass on her face. to think about the pain and struggles that she has been through makes me have a whole new respect for her.

Lesson learned

Both me and my 14-year-old daughter read this book together. We had some good conversations about it as we read. Good story, but a no real climax.

Mr Hoge

Robert you set an example to others how to triumph over adversity. You have shone where others may lie down and die! I take my hat off to you. You tell your story candidly with no flowers. It is an easy and enjoyable read that entices the reader to keep on reading and listening.
What a great book! Please write and read more!

Not as inspirational as I hoped

This was a good memoir, but I was hoping for a little more inspiration. I wanted it to really inspire readers to choose kindness. I did read it simultaneously with Wonder so my expectations may have been too high. My students seemed to enjoy it.

wonderful

this story taught me how to look at myself with more confidence in who I am. I did not want to stop reading this book and I wouldn't have had I not had school. I've heard of robert in my younger years. And I've always loved his way of life, learning how to ignore comments that had brought him Down. I now always think of him when I tell my own story of having 8 surgery on my own big squishy nose.