Siblings Shelly and Ian used to be close, but after Ian leaves home to attend the Hawthorne School for the Deaf, Shelly feels abandoned, and the two drift apart.

When Ian returns home with news that the future of Hawthorne is in jeopardy, Shelly isn't sure she wants him back. And Ian, who has enjoyed being around students and staff who sign all the time, feels angry when his family forgets to do the same.

An explosive argument that could drive brother and sister further apart actually offers hope for reconciliation-a hope that grows as Shelly's spirited best friend, Lisa, helps strengthen their bond.

The siblings grow closer still when they find themselves coping with an unexpected tragedy. To fully heal her relationship with Ian, however, Shelly needs to acknowledge and understand why Hawthorne—and access to the Deaf community—is so important to him. To do so, she'll need to take action and stop waiting for a sign. [Esty Schachter; (2014) 124 pages; soft cover]

About the Author

Esty Schachter is a writer and clinical social worker. After her first job at the Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf in Boston, she became a counselor. She has worked extensively with Deaf children in various school settings.

Schachter reviews children's books for Ithaca Child and has written poetry and essays for Mothering, the Ithaca Journal, Irving Parent, Northwest Baby & Child, Sing Heavenly Muse, and Response. Her first book, Anya's Echoes, was published by Fithian Press.

Schachter lives in Ithaca, New York, with her husband and two sons.