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About The Book

Twelve-year-old Hope’s life is turned upside down when her older sister, Lizzie, becomes an elective mute and is institutionalized after trying to kill herself.

Hope and Lizzie have relied on each other from a young age, ever since the death of their father. Their mother, who turns tricks to support her family, is a reluctant and unreliable parent—at best. During the course of this lyrical and heartbreaking narrative from an exceptionally promising YA voice, readers will discover the chilling reason why Lizzie has stopped speaking—and why Hope is the only one who can bring the truth to light and save her sister.

About The Author

Photograph coutesy of author

Carol Lynch Williams is a PEN Award–winning author of more than a dozen books and a graduate of the Vermont College MFA program. Carol facilitates the children’s writing conferences at Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University. She lives in Utah with her family. Visit her at CarolLynchWilliams.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (June 22, 2010)
  • Length: 496 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416997320
  • Grades: 9 and up
  • Ages: 14 - 99
  • Lexile ® 630 The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Awards and Honors

  • ALA Best Books For Young Adults
  • ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
  • Bank Street Best Books of the Year
  • Texas Tayshas High School Reading List
  • Arkansas Teen Book Award Reading List

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More books from this author: Carol Lynch Williams