Hear Me
One year after being diagnosed with hearing loss, Rayne’s hearing keeps getting worse, even with aids.
It’s a struggle to maintain friendships and keep up in school, surfing is now a wipeout, and she can’t understand her favorite singer’s lyrics. But worst of all, Rayne’s parents are pushing for her to get cochlear implants, a surgery Rayne’s not convinced is worth the risks and challenges.
Rayne begs her parents to consider other options, but they’re not budging. With the surgery looming, Rayne sets off on a bus journey that forces her to face her own assumptions about what her hearing loss means and what kind of life she could have. With the help of some new friends, Rayne realizes that even though her ears may be broken, she is not.
“Asterisks replace unheard words of dialogue in this moving middle grade novel, based on the author’s own life, that follows an adolescent girl’s struggle with both progressive hearing loss and her parents’ insistence that she get cochlear implants.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Rayne is a likable protagonist, and readers will root for her. An interesting story of a particular deaf experience.”—Kirkus Reviews
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-7284-2074-5
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$14.99 | |
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978-1-7284-6059-8
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$24.99 |
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| Interest Level | Grade 5 - Grade 8 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 5 |
| Category | Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Physical Disability & Illness, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2022 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Carolrhoda Books ® |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 344 |
| Publication Date | 2022-09-06 |
Reviews
The New York Times Book Review
“Asterisks replace unheard words of dialogue in this moving middle grade novel, based on the author’s own life, that follows an adolescent girl’s struggle with both progressive hearing loss and her parents’ insistence that she get cochlear implants.”—The New York Times Book Review
Booklist
“This empathetic, appealing story highlights Rayne’s journey to self-acceptance while also exploring her complicated but loving family relationships, loyal friendships, and a little romance. Discussion questions wrap everything up.” —Booklist
Lynne Kelly
“Hear Me is a thoughtful and empowering story about standing up and speaking out even when no one will listen. I’ll be thinking about Rayne long after closing the book.”—Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale
Danielle Joseph
“Kerry Cerra has written an important, immersive read filled with so much heart. We are quickly pulled into Rayne’s world as she navigates her hearing loss journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance. I was cheering for Rayne every step of the way!” —Danielle Joseph, author of Sydney A. Frankel’s Summer Mix-Up
Jarrett Lerner
“Hear Me is a brave and important book. Rayne’s story will open hearts and minds, and give young readers courage and hope.”—Jarrett Lerner, author of the EngiNerds
Author: Kerry O'Malley Cerra
Kerry O'Malley Cerra is the author of the award-winning middle-grade novel Just a Drop of Water. She holds a degree in social science education and currently works as a high school media specialist. She spends her days enveloped by books and students and spends her nights writing by the glow of her computer. Though she'll always consider South Jersey/Philly her home, she currently lives in Florida with her family and two poorly behaved rescue dogs. Be sure to pop over to KerryOmalleyCerra.com and say hi!
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