
Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice social injustices or when they have good intentions but struggle to understand why their words or actions might still hurt others. It is a vital resource for navigating the transition from being a nice person to being an actively conscious and accountable friend. The story follows Jilly, a white, hearing girl whose world expands when her baby sister is born Deaf and she befriends Derek, a Black, Deaf teen online. Through Jilly's mistakes and learning curves, the book explores complex themes of systemic racism, ableism, and the importance of listening over assuming. It is perfectly pitched for the middle-grade years, providing a realistic roadmap for how to apologize sincerely and how to support marginalized communities without making it about yourself. It is a masterclass in empathy that encourages children to embrace the discomfort of learning.
Themes of social exclusion and the stress of a new baby with medical/access needs.
The book discusses the police shooting of a Black teenager (off-page) and the resulting protests and community grief. There is also discussion of medical procedures and the systemic erasure of Deaf culture.
A 10-year-old who is starting to ask big questions about why the world isn't fair. This is for the child who wants to be a "good person" but needs to understand that intent doesn't always equal impact, and for siblings of children with disabilities.
This book is best read together or with frequent check-ins. Parents should be prepared to discuss the police shooting mentioned in the text and the concept of medical versus social models of disability. It can be read cold, but it works best as a conversational catalyst. A parent might reach for this when their child says something well-meaning but insensitive, or when a child asks why people are protesting on the news.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the sibling relationship and the cool factor of learning ASL. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuanced critique of Jilly's parents and the systemic nature of the social issues presented.
Unlike many books that center marginalized characters, this book focuses on a character from the dominant culture and holds them accountable for their learning about privilege and allyship. It provides a rare, honest look at the messy process of unlearning privilege. """
Jilly P. loves a fantasy book series and hangs out on a fan forum. Her world shifts when her sister, Emma, is born Deaf, and Jilly realizes her parents are making choices for Emma (like cochlear implants) without fully understanding Deaf culture. Simultaneously, Jilly builds an online friendship with Derek. Through their interactions, Jilly navigates her own microaggressions, learns about the intersections of racism and ableism, and discovers how to be a better ally. Jilly, who is white and hearing, builds an online friendship with Derek, a Black, Deaf boy.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review