Book overview
Schneider Family Book Award, Best Teen Honor Book 2020
Contemporary fiction fans will find it hard to put down The Silence Between Us--a YA novel that doesn't shy away from real-life issues including the challenges faced by those in the Deaf culture, relationship struggles, communication problems, and complicated families.
Deaf teen Maya moves across the country and must attend a hearing school for the first time. As if that wasn't hard enough, she also has to adjust to the hearing culture, which she finds frustrating. As Maya looks past graduation and focuses on her future dreams, nothing, not even an unexpected romance, will derail her pursuits or cause her to question her own self worth.
The Silence Between Us:
- Features a Deaf protagonist: An #OwnVoices perspective on Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture
- Is a clean YA contemporary romance: By Wattpad sensation Alison Gervais, The Silence Between Us is perfect for teens 13+.
- Engages with everyday issues: With themes of self-worth and integrating to a new school or community, this is coming of age story is relatable to modern teens
- Interesting back matter: Includes an interview with the author and a commentary on cochlear implants by Alison
"The Silence Between Us is eminently un-put-down-able." (NPR)
"Gervais deftly renders both the nuanced, everyday realities of life with disability and Maya's fierce pride in her Deafness, delivering a vibrant story that will resonate with Deaf and hearing audiences alike." - Booklist
"A solid addition to middle/high school fiction that allows for deep discussion about stereotypes concerning disabilities." School Library Journal
"This is a great YA contemporary (clean) romance that follows Maya as she navigates a new school and plans for her future. The addition of representation by a Deaf character was really beautifully done. Highly recommend for people looking for a sweet, engaging, and educational romantic read." (YA and Kids Book Central)