All He Knew

By Helen Frost

A deaf boy labeled 'unteachable' finds hope through an unexpected ally during WWII.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,296 ratings

272 pages· 27,713 words· Est. 3 hour read

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In the shadow of WWII, young Henry, deaf and misunderstood, is sent to a harsh institution. Labeled 'unteachable,' his world changes when Victor, a conscientious objector, arrives. Victor sees Henry's potential, sparking a journey of hope and transformation. Can this unlikely friendship defy the odds and change Henry's fate? Discover a poignant tale of resilience and the power of understanding.

From the publisher

A 2021 Scott O’Dell Award WinnerA Society of Midland Authors Winner in Children’s FictionA Bank Street Best Book of the Year 2021 A novel in verse about a young deaf boy during World War II, the sister who loves him, and the conscientious objector who helps him. Inspired by true events. Henry has been deaf from an early age–he is intelligent and aware of langauge, but by age six, he has decided it’s not safe to speak to strangers. When the time comes for him to start school, he is labeled “unteachable.” Because his family has very little money, his parents and older sister, Molly, feel powerless to help him. Henry is sent to Riverview, a bleak institution where he is misunderstood, underestimated, and harshly treated. Victor, a conscientious objector to World War II, is part of a Civilian Public Service program offered as an alternative to the draft. In 1942, he arrives at Riverview to serve as an attendant and quickly sees that Henry is far from unteachable–he is brave, clever, and sometimes mischievous. In Victor’s care, Henry begins to see how things can change for the better. Heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful, Helen Frost’s All He Knew is inspired by true events and provides sharp insight into a little-known element of history.