Ben and Emma's Big Hit

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

From California Governor Gavin Newsom comes an empowering picture book about a young boy with dyslexia who discovers a new way to look at reading.

Ben loves baseball. He loves the lines of diamond-shaped field and the dome of the pitcher’s mound. What Ben doesn’t like is reading. The lines and curves don’t make any sense to him and sometimes his brain jumbles them all up. But when Ben starts looking at reading like he looks at baseball (and seeing his teacher Ms. Kim as his coach) he realizes he can overcome any obstacle.

With comforting text from Gavin Newsom and gentle illustrations from Alexandra Thompson, Ben and Emma’s Big Hit is an empowering story of determination and perseverance.This book is set in a font specifically designed to be easier for people with dyslexia to read.

About the Author

Gavin Newsom is the 40th Governor of California. He previously served as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California and as the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco. Newsom attended Santa Clara University, where he majored in political science and was a left-handed pitcher for Santa Clara’s baseball team. Visit him online at GavinNewsom.com and follow him on Twitter @GavinNewsom.

Author Residence: Greenbrae, CA

Author Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Alexandra Thompson is an illustrator, author, and maker living in the Oxford Hills of Maine. Her debut picture book, A Family for Louie, releases June 9th, 2020. In addition to picture books, Alexandra also works with clients creating illustrations and textile designs for children's apparel. Visit her online at alexandraco.com and on Instagram @alexandraco_illustration.

Illustrator Residence: Oxford Hills, Maine