A poignant novel partially set in a world of silence

High school senior Theo is fluent in two languages: spoken English and sign. His parents and brother, Jeremy, are deaf, but Theo can hear, which has over the years cast him in the role of interpreter for his family. Unfortunately, it's not a welcome duty, especially in the case of his mother, Palma. She is a successful sculptor who, being deeply suspicious of "hearies," expects Theo to act as her business manager. And Jeremy relies on Theo for company and homework help. It's become especially frustrating lately because Theo has met a fascinating new girl at school, Ivy, with whom he wants to spend as much time as possible. Theo's father, Thomas, is the only one who has never burdened him, but that changes when Thomas has a stroke. Palma, frightened and self-absorbed, cannot bring herself to nurse her husband, leaving Theo with the full burden to bear. But with the help of Ivy and some of her friends, Theo is finally able to change his family's dynamics and find time to plan his future.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 04/02/2004
ISBN: 9780374455842
Pages: 215
Weight: 0.43lbs
Size: 7.52h x 5.14w x 0.56d

Review Citations: Kliatt 05/01/2004 pg. 18
PW Notes and Reprints 05/17/2004 pg. 53
Publishers Weekly 05/17/2004

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 53475 / Of Sound Mind
Reading Level: 5.1 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 7