LeZotte, Ann Clare. Deer Run Home. Scholastic, 10/2024. 224pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-3390-2190-4. GRADES 5–9. OUTSTANDING.
Based on a true story, twelve-year-old Effie, an abused and neglected deaf girl, finds love and safety through her relationship with her beloved ASL interpreter—the only person in Effie’s world who understands sign language. Told from Effie’s point of view and written in verse, the novel’s poetic format renders the story accessible to its young audience while also connecting the reader more deeply to its main character. Encouraged to write poetry by her teacher after some of her ASL is interpreted to him, Effie’s use of verse can be seen as a true reflection of her inner voice. Although Effie is a deaf child and her friend Cait has cerebral palsy, for the most part LeZotte avoids physical descriptions of her characters; much in the same way that Effie must rely upon each character’s good nature (or lack thereof), the reader is left to view each character based on their actions rather than superficial descriptors. Full of kindness and empathy, Effie is an authentic, truly likable character who will resonate with many readers.
Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library