Middle Grade Review: Speechless

 

Sixth grade was supposed to be a fresh start for Mira. She challenges herself to talk the first day, but she can't get the words out. Her fellow classmates tell her teachers that she doesn't talk. It's not like she can't talk, but Mira struggles getting words out. Her classmates aren't kind about it.

She doesn't have friends that she can talk with and she's not thrilled with her family right now. They invited her former best friend and current enemy to live with them without asking her. Right now, the only escape for Mira is making stop motion films. But as her grade plummet, even that outlet becomes impossible.  Will she find her voice?

My Thoughts: This was a fantastic graphic novel with a great message about finding your voice. Mira has anxiety about talking in public; it's almost impossible for her. A school project forces her to partner with a classmate. They start talking and even becoming friends. I loved the moments between Mira and Alex. Mira goes to therapy and starts making steps towards talking in public. I love how Mira and Chloe talked about the past and moved forward towards a future. I couldn't put this graphic novel down.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your school or public library's collection.

Speak Out: Speechless

Speechless is in my TBR pile! I've heard such awesome things about it. Have you heard about it? The cover is so simple - yet so interesting. It makes me curious. It's the perfect book for Bully Awareness Month. Read it and pass it along, I know I'm going to!

About the book

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret.

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast – and nearly got someone killed.

Chelsea has taken a vow of silence – to learn to keep her mouth shut and to stop hurting anyone else. There’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way. Including a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive her… if only she can forgive herself.

Harlequin Teen has teamed up with Love is Louder (a project of the Jed Foundation, MTV, and actress Brittany Snow) for the release and the book will feature a back page with information about the movement.

Watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sek2jvzSRKM

About Love is Louder:

Love is Louder was started by The Jed Foundation, MTV and Brittany Snow to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood or alone. It’s hundreds of thousands of people just like you who have turned this idea into a movement.  A movement of all types of people who have come together to raise the volume around the message that love and support are louder than any internal or external voice that brings us down.

Individuals, communities, schools and organizations have embraced Love is Louder as a way to address with issues like bullying, negative self-image, discrimination, loneliness and depression.  Even as we work to stop negative words and actions that hurt us, we can strengthen our abilities to cope with hard times, focus on the positive, support the people around us and reach out for help if we need it.

Find out more: http://www.loveislouder.com