Set Me Free

Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice social inequities or when they feel frustrated by how others perceive their abilities. Set Me Free is a powerful historical novel about Mary Lambert, a fourteen year old Deaf girl in 1805 who travels to a mysterious manor to help a young girl trapped in silence. It is a story about the vital importance of language, the dignity of every human being, and the courage required to stand up against systemic prejudice. While the book functions as a gripping mystery, it is primarily a journey of advocacy and self identity. It explores complex themes of ableism, racism, and historical injustice with a sophisticated but accessible lens for middle grade readers. It is an ideal choice for children who are developing a strong sense of justice or who are navigating their own path of being different in a world that values conformity.