Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that one of the major themes is animal testing and experimentation. Though not graphic, this may be disturbing to some kids. Also, a major character was abused as a young child, leading to deafness.
Families can talk about animal testing and experimentation. What are the pros and cons? Which outweighs the other? What are the ethics involved? Is it OK if it saves many lives? Is it OK with some animals but not with others? Readers who wish to know more can start with the Web sites listed below, as well as the organizations listed in the back of the book.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
While the story never comes across as didactic, no one will miss the piercing critique of animal testing, and it's a theme that will resonate strongly with young readers. Equally powerful, though, is the web of issues relating to deaf children and their families, and in Joey young readers will encounter a strongly sympathetic, and courageous heroine. Like many in the deaf community, she recognizes the positive aspects of her situation, and though she is often frustrated and lonely, she is also at times grateful and relieved to embrace her deafness.
There are a lot of important themes here -- deafness, communication, animal rights, parental fallibility, abuse -- and sophomore author Ginny Rorby swirls them together into a powerfully potent brew in which each ingredient enhances the others. Without ever getting graphic or inappropriate, the emotional and at times disturbing result may be too much for more sensitive readers. The rest will find it hard to put down while reading, and harder still to forget afterwards. This is a book that has a lasting impact on the reader, and those in the target age group may want to go further and take action.
From The Book
"Sukari," Joey said.
The old man nodded and smiled, then finger spelled her name. It's Swahili for sugar, he wrote on the pad. A nickname for sugar-butt.
As if she understood, Sukari turned, put her head against Joey's knees, and pulled her diaper down so Joey could admire the fine white hairs on her bottom.
Joey put her head back and laughed out loud.
Plot Summary:
Joey has been mostly deaf since early childhood, but her mother has refused to let her learn sign language. But in her teens, Joey meets a neighbor, Dr. Mansell, who has a chimpanzee, Sukari, who can communicate in sign language. Trying to keep it secret from her mother, Joey begins to learn to sign. But when her mother finds out, and then Dr. Mansell dies, Sukari's future is in doubt. Includes sign-language alphabet, author's Afterword, and a Reader's Guide in the paperback edition.
Related Books:
Other Books by Ginny Rorby:
Dolphin Sky
Mistreated Animals:
Saving Casey by Karen Mueller Coombs
Poor Badger by K.M. Peyton
Smart Dog by Vivian Vande Velde
The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Related Web sites:
Author's Site
Jane Goodall Institute
Friends of Washoe
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Sexual ContentJoey's mom wonders if an old man is a "pervert." He isn't. |
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ViolenceSpousal and child abuse, the latter leading to permanent disability, referred to and briefly described. A facility where scientists perform experiments on chimpanzees is described, the experiments themselves are only referred to. |
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Social BehaviorJoey's mother consistently and determinedly makes bad and wrong-headed decisions which lead to harm for herself, her children, and others. Joey courageously fights for what she believes. |
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CommercialismMany brands mentioned, including supermarket, sneaker, soft-drink, sauce, pizza, toothpaste, fast food, and hotel. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoAdults drink beer and smoke cigarettes and cigars. |
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