Speechless

By Kate Darbishire, Peter Haillay (Illustrator)

Harriet can't speak or walk, but she must find a way to save her brother and herself from their challenges.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,361 ratings

220 pages

$9.70Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Harriet, an eleven-year-old with Cerebral Palsy, faces bullying at her new school and a family in turmoil. Her mother is hospitalized, her grandmother is indifferent, and her brother Jake is in trouble. Harriet sees the danger but struggles to communicate. Can she find the courage to overcome her challenges and protect her brother? This poignant tale explores resilience and the power of unspoken words.

From the publisher

She can’t walk. She can’t even talk. But she has so much to tell you…Eleven year old Harriet has Cerebral Palsy. At her new Secondary School, she is bullied and ridiculed every day and she doesn’t know how to make friends.Charlotte tries - but how do you talk to someone who won’t talk back?When Harriet’s mum is rushed into hospital, her Grandmother, Gloria has far more important things to worry about than Harriet. Like whether her nail polish matches her outfit.Jake, Harriet’s brother, starts skipping school and acting weird. Harriet can see he’s in danger but what can she do?Harriet is plucky and resilient but is she brave enough to face up to her challenges?Whether you are ten or one hundred and ten, Speechless is a brutally frank, debut novel to read in one sitting and pass on to your friends. Its powerful message will stay with you long after you turn the final page.Perfect for fans of RJ Palacio’s Wonder and Sharon M.Draper’s Out of My Mind.Kate Darbishire has a daughter with Cerebral Palsy and worked in Special Needs Schools for ten years.

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