When we feel underestimated, it can affect us one of two ways. Some of us will decide not to bother to prove themselves while others will set out to do just that. And in doing so, they prove over and over again that what may seem like a shortcoming can sometimes be an advantage.
Sky, the main character of Sky, the Deaf Homerun Hero: A Lesson in Courage, may seem on the surface like a kid who would not be able to do certain normal kid things. Being deaf makes him seem alienated and disadvantaged. But in his own unique way, he sets out to prove that he’s not only capable but excels in his sport of choice: baseball. Below is my review of Sky, the Deaf Homerun Hero followed by an interview with the author, Mickey Carolan.
Sky, the Deaf Homerun Hero plot synopsis
Sky is a boy who lives in a small town in Michigan. Though he’s deaf, he’s a great baseball player. His skills give him the confidence to stand up to the bullies in his neighborhood who pick on him and his brothers. And once they see what he can do, he becomes a homerun hero.
The story
Sky, the Deaf Homerun Hero is a love letter to Carolan’s father, who was also named Sky. It teaches kids that what may look like a disability on the outside can sometimes be a great advantage.
Sky is a great baseball player because he is deaf, not in spite of it. It allows him to concentrate on the ball without distractions from the crowd or the other players. Baseball is a mental sport, and not having to block out the surrounding chaos gives him a great advantage over the other players.
Likewise, Sky doesn’t have a problem standing up to the bullies in his neighborhood because they can’t intimidate him with their tone of voice or choice of words. He has confidence in himself and is undeterred by their attempts to make him feel small. He can internalize that confidence which keeps the bullies out of his head.
At the end of the story, there are discussion questions and prompts for readers to talk about and even act upon. Conversation is always a good idea when introducing new concepts to kids, particularly those that are aimed at inclusivity and are meant to detract from negativity.
We all hate to feel different. Yet, people tend to weaponize those feelings in order to bring others down. And if we can make it seem better to include rather than to alienate, it will make Sky’s efforts worth it.
The design
The book has a very colorful and interesting design. The text is embedded in a baseball diamond shape in keeping with the theme of the story. There are just a few sentences on each page, making it a nice length for early elementary school readers who are a little more confident in their reading abilities, though not quite ready for chapter books.
I love the character designs. Sky’s baseball uniform in particular is generic yet detailed and can double as a superhero costume as well as a team uniform. I also love that some of the pages contain no words. This allows the illustrations to do the talking to put the reader in Sky’s shoes.
The illustrations
Speaking of illustrations, the illustrations by Adisa Fazlovic have a standard picture book feel that will draw readers to the book. I love the dull yellow sky that draws your eye down to the characters and the mixture of wide shots and close ups that give it a cinematic feel. There’s also some imagination at play as Sky visualizes a baseball that he hits turning into an eagle at one point.
The backgrounds are also fun to look at from the suburban streets to the crowd-lined fence of the baseball field. It reminds me of my hometown and the baseball diamond that I used play on, both on a team and with my neighborhood friends. It’s these classic touches that help the reader to realize the commonalities that they can have with Sky.
My recommendation
I recommend Sky, the Deaf Homerun Hero to any reader who loves baseball, those looking for an anti-bullying message, and, of course, deaf readers or those who may know of or want to learn more about the deaf. The message can feel a little spoon fed at times, and I wish that some story elements were explored a little further, such as the heroic things that Sky does to cement his nickname as the homerun hero and the way that the bullies come to respect him and his skillset. But the message is clear, the setting is great, and our hero is someone to be admired.
My rating
An interview with Mickey Carolan
Children’s author Mickey Carolan did not have to look far for inspiration for his new picture book, Sky, the Deaf Home Run Hero: A Lesson in Courage. Being raised by two deaf parents motivated Mickey to share his family’s story as a legacy for future generations and as a social emotional learning message for all children in the deaf community.
As a CODA, or child of a deaf adult, and with American Sign Language as his first language, Mickey witnessed first-hand the challenges that face some deaf children, namely being bullied for being different. It was important for him to create a book in which a deaf child can see themselves in the story and how they can make a difference. He wants his young readers—deaf and hearing—to come away from his story understanding that deaf children can do anything except hear and that this stays with them long after the book is closed.
Mickey lives outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife, Erin and their two children, Elloree and Brooks. When he isn’t writing stories of courage and resilience for children, Mickey enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, reading, and lifting weights. Sky, the Deaf Home Run Hero: A Lesson in Courage is his debut children’s book, the first installment in the Deaf Kids Can series.
Who do you most hope reads your book?
I know it’s cliché but as many young children as possible. I wrote it in hopes of inspiring deaf children and sharing with the entire world that deaf kids can do anything except hear.
The initial feedback from preschoolers to second graders has been fantastic. The amount of conversation that this book and the questions in the back prompt is absolutely amazing and heartwarming to see.
What other stories or resources do you recommend for readers who want to learn more about the deaf?
The movie CODA brought deaf culture center stage; it is worth every accolade it has received. If you have not watched it, try to do so. In addition, there are many great non-profit organizations that serve the community. I have sat on the board of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in West Michigan for many years. One of the most simplistic things one could do is to enroll in an American Sign Language (ASL) course. If there are not local classes, readers can most certainly find virtual courses online.
What advice do you have for kids dealing with bullies in their own lives?
This is a tough one, every bullying situation has its own unique context. Even though it is often easier said than done, kids should do their best to say something. Whether it’s to a friend or an adult.
There are a lot of learning lessons from being in those situations. Often the best course of action for younger children is to deescalate the situation. However, at times standing up to the bully would be the best response. Again, every situation is different. The only thing that is constant is that bullying is unacceptable, whether you’re five years old or 50 years old.
Who is your favorite baseball team, and what is your favorite position?
Detroit Tigers, and I’m a Catcher through and through.
Did you have a hand in the design of the illustrations and characters?
First, let me start by saying, I CANNOT draw AT ALL. But I was very involved in the illustration notes and characters. Every illustration note had specific details, but I left enough room for Adisa’s (illustrator) creativity to still shine.
Do you have a favorite page?
My favorite pages are actually the five discussion questions at the end of the book labeled “Batter Up.” The amount of discussion that has prompted in K-3 children has been tremendous. As for my favorite illustrated page, it is the scene where Sky uses Sign Language to tell the bullies to stop.
How did you come up with the discussion questions and prompts at the end of the book?
That was a vision that my editor Stacy Shaneyfelt encouraged me to include in the book. I cannot thank her enough, as she helped point out some spots where I could put some great finishing touches on. This was one of them.
In what era does the story take place?
The illustrations have a look and feel of today. The real parts of this story would have occurred during the 1960’s when my father was playing little league in Saginaw at Hoyt Park.
Any plans for a sequel? If not, what’s next for you?
There is already a second book slated for the Deaf Kids Can series. Readers should keep an eye out for that release to take place in late summer/early fall. That book will be heading to the editor and illustrator shortly. A little teaser: the second installment is inspired by my mother.
There is also my manuscript that I am writing concurrently. It is not a children’s book; however, it will continue to shed light on the deaf community as I will share stories and life lessons from growing up as a CODA.
The release date for that book is still to be determined. However, I am over halfway through the manuscript and my team and I are very pleased with how well it is coming together.
Author links
Links will open in a new tab.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of Sky, the Deaf Homerun Hero here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
Pin it!
Share your comments