Effie (white), who is deaf, communicates with sign language, which no one in her family has bothered to learn. Effie and her older sister, Deja, recently moved in with their dad, a heavy drinker who has no interest in them, but their mom didn’t want them living with her anymore. When summer ends, Effie, repeating fifth grade at a new school, finds a familiar, welcome presence in Miss Kathy, her sign language interpreter. Effie’s new English teacher, Mr. Bart, is a positive change from the past, telling Effie that her writing, which reflects the grammar of sign language, is like poetry. Effie also makes friends with Cait, who has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, and is on a mission to free herself from her controlling aid. Miss Kathy, suspecting Effie is neglected at home, makes a visit to confirm this and has soon obtained temporary custody of Effie while a termination of parental rights hearing is initiated. Miss Kathy’s involvement and genuine caring is a relief in the big picture, even as she sometimes pushes Effie to talk about things she isn’t ready to discuss. This includes her stepfather’s past sexual abuse, which Effie has never revealed. This novel-in-verse, loosely based on a news story from the 1990s about an interpreter given custody of the deaf child she worked with, ends with Effie living safely, permanently with Miss Kathy. It’s a welcome resolution, even if not reflective of the complexities for many children facing abuse or neglect.

Effie is Deaf, and no one in her family speaks sign language, her language. This moving story of survival and found family, inspired by a true court case, is perfect for fans of Wonder and Out of My Mind.

* "Quietly extraordinary." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Elegantly weaves a heartbreaking story with hope." -School Library Journal, starred review

"Through Effie, young readers both deaf and hearing will encounter a heartfelt homecoming story, and reassurance that they are not alone."-The New York Times

Effie and her older sister, Deja, have recently moved into their father's trailer after an incident at their mom's house. Daddy communicates with Effie by pointing, stomping on the floor, and making thoughtless jokes. Even if they did understand each other, could she tell the terrible secret she carries when telling feels impossible-and dangerous?

But what if telling is the only way to be seen?

This tender, spare, emotionally charged story about the impact of abuse and the power of love explores what it feels like to be an outsider in your own family and to awaken-through friendship, writing, and kinship with the natural world-to a new understanding and appreciation of yourself.