Whisper by Chrissie Keighery
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2011. ISBN 9781921759321
(Age 14 +) Highly recommended. Demi Valentino is facing the sort of
situation that many teens face: starting at a new school, trying to
make new friends, falling in love, thinking about her career.
However, Demi has an extra challenge to face, for two years ago she
lost her hearing after a serious bout of meningitis. And this is why
she has decided to change schools, moving away from her much loved
childhood friends, and against her mother's wishes. Demi believes
that if she wants to achieve at school (and get her dream job) she
needs to be able to understand what is going on around her, so in
the opening chapter of this novel, she nervously attends her first
day at a school for the deaf.
Attendance at this school introduces Demi to the broader deaf
community, and one of its fiercest advocates, Stella, a strong and
determined fellow student. Stella's singular approach brings her in
conflict with Demi, who finds she has a more delicate balancing act
to consider, given that her family and old friends come from the
hearing world. However, their battles are always woven into the
story in a realistic and engaging manner so that it does not become
an issue driven story with a message to push. The character's
journey is what drives this story and makes it an enjoyable reading
experience.
Demi is a likable young girl, a credible mix of resilience and
anxiety. She worries about her place in the world and her place in
her family. Her mother is a strong character who has fought fiercely
on her daughter's behalf and Demi must draw on her own strength to
make decisions for herself. Demi also grows in understanding as the
novel proceeds; she realises that her anxieties about her deafness
have sometimes caused her to misjudge many people, including
herself. She learns that she isn't the only one with battles to
face.
This is a compelling novel which will encourage teen readers to
reassess their own values and understanding of life's challenges. It
is sure to appeal to girls, in particular. Highly recommended.
Deborah Marshall