  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 08/01/2018 The transition from homeschooling to public school hasn’t been easy for 12-year-old Elise. After a handful of faux pas trigger anxiety, she decides it’s easier to not speak during the school day. But soon, it becomes hard for her to talk at all, even outside of school, as her selective mutism spirals out of control. Also, is Elise just imagining things or has her teacher’s stuffed raven come to life? It’s easy to root for Elise, an empathetic narrator in unfortunate circumstances—even her homelife leaves much to be desired, with a mother who keeps her at arm's length, not even celebrating her birthdays. The mysterious appearances of the raven, along with a shocking revelation midway through the book, hint at magical elements in an otherwise realistic story, which may perplex some readers. Still, at its heart, this is a story about a family coming together after trauma, and the healing and understanding that comes when people pay attention. A solid addition to a growing list of middle-grade books dealing with mental health. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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