This novel is fascinating, frustrating and a bit fun. Julia, a Deaf high schooler who loves creating street art, has been expelled from her deaf school for a work in the school gym. Her new school is "hearie" and she struggles on multiple levels ... with her interpreter, her lack of friends, her Moms, her desire to create, and more. Julia's voice is strong, powerful and real. The issue of signing vs. lip reading is well portrayed and this book is the first I know of to address the topic so seamlessly. I didn't even understand the emojis at the beginning of each chapter but it speaks to the visual nature of those who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing. The story isn't perfect. Julia is a passionate young woman who flies off the handle at every provocation and her whining/fury did get a little tiresome but I can't say it is an inaccurate depiction of a teen girl -- right down to the girl drama. Transitions are sometimes abrupt and some will bemoan a hearing author writing about the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community. That being said, credit to Ms. Gardner for creating a fairly edgy, crunchy character you still care about. Despite her many faults Julia's heart shines throughout. Secondary characters are created with multiple layers of complexity and the artwork depicting the various creations enhances the tale a good bit. This won the Schneider Family Book Award for best story of the disability experience for teens this year (even though deafness is not seen by many in the deaf community as a disability -- read the book for more). Not bad for a first work. Well deserved.
