Effie has been deaf since birth, but her family never learned to sign, so there is little communication between them. Her older sister, Deja, is at least kind to Effie and seems to care about her, but when there is some trouble between Effie and her stepfather, their mother sends Effie and Deja to live with their father in a dirty trailer house. Dad also doesn’t sign. He points at things and stomps his feet to tell Effie things. He drinks a lot and the kids often have nothing to eat. Effie’s teaching aide figures out how bad things are for her and goes to court to try to get custody. It’s a bold move with no certainty of success.
Ann Clare LeZotte has written a heartbreaking story in lyrical blank verse. Effie tells her own story as the budding poet she is. This is very effective. It’s an important story based on a true happening and will help young readers develop understanding and empathy for disabled people. This story of family, friendship, courage, and kindness will stay with readers for a long time, and it will hopefully move them to be more generous of thought and kinder.
