Twelve Mighty Orphans

The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football

By: Jim Dent

Narrated by: Barry Abrams

More than a century ago, a school was constructed in Fort Worth, Texas, for the purpose of housing and educating the orphans of Texas Freemasons. It was a humble project that for years existed quietly on a hillside east of town. Life at the Masonic Home was about to change, though, with the arrival of a lean, bespectacled coach by the name of Rusty Russell. Here was a man who could bring rain in the midst of a drought. Here was a man who, in virtually no time at all, brought the orphans' story into the homes of millions of Americans.

In the 1930s and 1940s, there was nothing bigger in Texas high school football than the Masonic Home Mighty Mites - a group of orphans bound together by hardship and death. These youngsters, in spite of being outweighed by at least 30 pounds per man, were the toughest football team around. They began with nothing - not even a football - yet in a few years were playing for the state championship on the highest level of Texas football. This is a winning tribute to a courageous band of underdogs from a time when America desperately needed fresh hope and big dreams.

The Mighty Mites remain a notable moment in the long history of American sports. Just as significant is the depth of the inspirational message. This is a profound lesson in fighting back and clinging to faith.

©2007 Jim Dent (P)2019 Tantor

Great book

Not a fan of the narration, though. The narrator has weird accents for the characters in the book. He makes the characters sound dumb which they are not. Plus he tries to give them a southern Texas twang that’s not what Texans sound like at all. But other than that the storyline is excellent and I wouldn’t avoid the book just because of the narration.

Awesome story

Truly captivating and inspiring story, listened straight thru to the end, it was that good!

Great look at football history.

Great story of football history in texas. Heartwarming at times and sad at times but great read of human resilience with the help of sport. Definitely worth a read even if you aren’t a football fan.

Great description of Texas football !

I love the detailed story about the orphans and about overcoming the odds and their hard work and Texas football. What a great combination great book!!!!

Great story!!

What a great story! I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in football history!! Great narrator too!