Robert Hoge has worked as a journalist, a speechwriter, a science communicator for the CSIRO and a political advisor to the former Queensland Premier and Deputy Premier. He has had numerous short stories, articles, interviews and other works published in Australia and overseas. He also enjoys photography, disability advocacy and social engagement. While he never got far with his professional lawn bowls career, Robert did carry the Olympic torch in 2000. He is married and lives in Brisbane.
Review + giveaway Queensland Times Robert defies assumptions about disability and is an inspiration to all children - be they disabled or not... This is a wonderfully accessible memoir with a great message at its heart and is something that every child or adult should read. Tristan Bancks Review + Giveaway Queensland Times It will help you see past the outside and into the inside, where you will see a beauty of emotion, intellect and humour far, far more precious than any outer skin deep beauty that will change and fade with time... a must for every school library. Creative Kids Tales I cried on buses and trains reading this, but also couldn't help but smile at this plucky kid, who had such a tough beginning, and who has achieved so much. ABC Kids Book Reviews Reveiw Words Read and Written Review Janet Croft Book Reviews Review Weekend Australian This is an incredible story - of not only a wonderful human being but an exceptional family. Do yourself a favour and read it. Better still put this on your shelves! The Younger Reader version is eminently suitable for readers of around 10 and up. Just So Stories blog It has taken me a while to get to review this Younger Readers' version of Robert Hoge's successful memoir. My Year 8 students have been working on an English task which was to research and write a feature article about an inspirational hero and one of my young ladies had chosen Robert because she had started reading his memoir. I had just received this review copy so handed it to her in case she might find it helpful as well. Not only does the book come with her recommendation, she was so delighted that Robert responded to her email to him and she has been able to ask him questions directly. What a generous human! Thank you Robert you provided this wonderful young girl with an amazing learning experience! Today I spent a very pleasant hour or so reading this funny and moving, honest and courageous recollection of growing up as the 'ugly' kid. Robert's story is by now pretty well known to many adults who have either learned about his life via the book or the media but this new edition will bring his inspirational story to a whole new readership. When Robert was born with severe physical problems including a large facial tumour, his family's life changed in many respects but not in the most important aspect. They were still a loving, supportive unit who when faced with a challenge rose to it with an admirable and enviable ease. But let's not make light of this. This is an incredible story of not only a wonderful human being but an exceptional family. Do yourself a favour and read it. Better still put this on your shelves! The Younger Reader version is eminently suitable for readers of around 10 and up. ReadPlus A moving, non-sentimental lesson in self-acceptance, personal strength and endurance, told frankly, simply and with easy humour. Northern Rivers Echo, Daily Mercury, Northern Star, Coffs Coast Advocate, Queensland Times, Fraser Coast Chronicle, Toowoomba Chronicle, News Mail, Gladstone Observer, Morning Bulletin