Speechless

How do you give a eulogy when you can't think of one good thing to say? A poignant, funny, and candid look at grief, family secrets, difficult people, and learning to look behind the facade.

As if being stuffed into last year's dress pants at his cousin's wake weren't uncomfortable enough, thirteen-year-old Jimmy has just learned from his mother that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. Why him? What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? He can't recall one birthday party, family gathering, or school event with Patrick that didn't result in injury or destruction. As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and a good deal of angst while racking his brain and his memory for a decent and meaningful memory to share. But it's not until faced with a microphone that the realization finally hits him: it's not the words that are spoken that matter the most, but those that are truly heard.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 11/06/2018
ISBN: 9781536200928
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.40w x 1.30d

Review Citations: Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2018 - Book Of Special Distinction
Booklist 11/01/2018 pg. 67
Publishers Weekly 11/19/2018
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2019 pg. 103
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2019 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 199278 / Speechless
Reading Level: 4.7 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 8