Common Sense Media Review
By Sun Cooper
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Deaf girl finds her voice in emotional novel in verse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Framed by a Greek myth about a king, a deer, and his daughter, DEER RUN HOME tells the story of a young, neglected deaf girl who finds her voice and courage with the support of trustworthy friends and a new passion for writing poems. From an impoverished, abusive household, Effie is unable to communicate or be understood by her family—first in her mother's house and then in her father's. Effie finds some relief at school, where she is reconnected with a caring ASL interpreter, meets a smart new friend, and begins to thrive academically under a supportive English teacher. Suspecting neglect, her interpreter makes a house call and sets events in motion to help Effie move from survival into loving shelter.
Is It Any Good?
Inspired by a real court case, this deeply moving story explores the language vulnerabilities experienced by deaf children. Through Effie's story, readers see the importance of communication, embracing its different forms, and celebrating the beauty of human expression. Author Anne Clare LeZotte uses the Greek legend of Iphigenia to help communicate complex emotions and events to great effect. Though topics are, at times, dark and heavy, the poetic style of the story—told from an innocent child's point of view—makes it luminous. Bring tissues along for this special book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the different ways characters communicate with each other. In Deer Run Home, Effie says, "My oral speech isn't my real voice." What does she mean? How does Effie prefer to communicate? How do you prefer to communicate?
Effie often sees and even dreams about a deer. What did she name this deer? Why do you think the deer is so important to Effie?
The author has chosen to tell Effie's story through poetic verse. Effie herself writes poems, and her teacher encourages her to write more in her own unique style. Do you like to write or read poetry? Why, or why not?
It takes courage to speak up for yourself and for others. How did Effie find her own courage? Is there a time you've found your own courage?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : October 1, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : May 28, 2026
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