Life

Novel in verse, about a deaf child who is very unhappy at her mom getting married. They are also moving, and she has been assigned to help their elderly next door neighbor pack books since she refuses to pack her own stuff. This leads to some highlighting of excellent books.

I love that it is so matter-of-factly from a deaf character's point of view, and her feelings of isolation come to the fore when she's fighting with everyone around her and that includes most of the people who sign. I love her connection to the garden and her relationship with Iris (next door). I like her voice a lot, too. She's got a lot of complicated feelings. ( )

A very sweet story about a Deaf young woman who is not pleased her mother is getting remarried and moving her in with her stepfather's family. She finds a friend in her elderly neighbor, Iris, who is also moving into a nursing home. Respectful of the Deaf and HOH community. Very emotional, shows great character growth ( )

A wonderful book written in free verse exploring new beginnings, the past, and so much more. A great read for reluctant readers, children adapting to moving or parenrs remarrying. Main character happens to be hearing impaired but it is a characteristic not a driving force within the plot. Be prepared with lots of cookies. ( )

This book tells the story of Macy, a book and soccer-loving young girl who uses sign language to navigate the world. The book starts out with Macy feeling angry as her mother shares they will be leaving their home and moving in with her mother's soon-to-be husband, Alan. Macy is resistant to change, but her mood begins to shift as she gets to know her neighbor, Iris, an older women who shares her love of books. Throughout this verse novel, the two kindred spirits teach one another quite a bit about the world and caring for those we love.

This book would be a great addition for any curricular study around the dead community, sign language and disability more broadly. It would be great book in exchange with titles including "Roll with It" and "Wonder" which similarly address disability and access through a fiction lens.