Of Sound Mind

Jean Ferris gives the tried-and-true coming-of-age story an unusual and refreshing twist with this young adult novel about a high school senior who is the only "hearie" in his deaf family. Frustrated daily by his family's demands and depressed by the silence that dominates his house, Theo seeks solace with thoughtful, purple-haired Ivy. Ivy, also the hearing child of a deaf parent, understands better than anyone what Theo is going through. But after his dad suffers a stroke, Theo fears that his wants and needs, especially concerning Ivy and college, will be swallowed whole by the responsibility of caring for his egotistical artist mom and clingy younger brother. Does Theo have the strength to change his fate? By turns both comical and gut-wrenching, Of Sound Mind joins the ranks of other stellar quirky teen boy novels like Rats Saw God and Tribute to Another Dead Rock Star. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert