In Marjorie Herrera Lewisâs debut historical novel the inspiring true story of high school teacher Tylene Wilsonâa woman who surprises everyone as she breaks with tradition to become the first high school football coach in Texasâcomes to life.
""A wonderfully touching and beautiful storyâŚTylene makes me laugh, cry, and cheer for her in ways I have not done in a long time.ââDiane Les Bocquets, bestselling author of Breaking Wild
Football is the heartbeat of Brownwood, Texas. Every Friday night for as long as assistant principal Tylene Wilson can remember, the entire town has gathered in the stands, cheering their boys on. Each September brings with it the hope of a good season and a sense of unity and optimism.
Now, the war has changed everything. Most of the Brownwood men over 18 and under 45 are off fighting, and in a small town the possibilities are limited. Could this mean a season without football? But no one counted on Tylene, who learned the game at her daddyâs knee. She knows more about it than most men, so she does the unthinkable, convincing the school to let her take on the job of coach.
Faced with extreme oppositionâby the press, the community, rival coaches, and referees and even the players themselvesâTylene remains resolute. And when her boys rally around her, she leads the teamâand the townâto a Friday night and a subsequent season they will never forget.
Based on a true story, When the Men Were Gone is a powerful and vibrant novel of perseverance and personal courage.