  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 09/01/2018 Gino’s (George, 2015) sophomore novel opens up a discussion about racism and Deaf culture. Jilly’s baby sister, Emma, is born deaf at the beginning of the novel, and the narrative follows her family’s journey in acclimating to Emma and Deaf culture. For advice, and because she has a crush on him, Jilly turns to her online friend Derek, who is Deaf and Black. This book presents big, relevant issues in a way for young readers to relate to and understand. The author’s note states that it was “consciously written for white people as a catalyst to talk about modern racism and police violence in the United States,” as well as to prompt awareness of white privilege and marginalization. Adults can also read the book, as it models a way for them to speak to children about these issues. The story gets lost in the obvious agenda, though, and the plot seems lacking as a result. But Jilly is an endearing character to follow as she questions and learns about life through those she loves. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. School Library Journal - 09/01/2018 Gr 4–6—Gino offers a heartfelt and needed story about white privilege, intent vs. impact, and respecting cultural differences. Jilly Pirillo, a white 12-year-old girl, spends a good deal of time on the De La Court website, a fan fiction site based on her favorite book series. When Jilly learns that her new baby sister, Emma, is Deaf, she immediately thinks of her online friend "profoundinoaktown" (real name Derek), the only other Deaf person she knows. When she excitedly shares the news with him, she's initially disappointed when he seems annoyed and offended ("I didn't realize it was rude to tell him that Emma is Deaf. And I'm still not sure I understand why."). As she gets to know Derek better and begins to learn more about his experiences as a black Deaf boy, she's also witnessing her own family's reckoning with racism. Her Aunt Alicia, a black woman married to her Aunt Joanne, regularly experiences snide comments and assumptions by white family members. Jilly begins to take notice for the first time, slowing seeing how these "microaggressions" are related to recent news reports about black teens being shot by police. Her parents are also in the process of investigating speech therapy and cochlear implants for Emma. Jilly becomes increasingly aware of the very real challenges and dangers faced by people of color and members of the Deaf community—and slowly understands how these oppressive forces can intersect. In her attempts to help, seek advice, and advocate for what she believes is right, Jilly often stumbles and makes mistakes, unintentionally causing offense. Rather than shut down and tune out, Jilly listens and tries again, taking responsibility for her words and actions, and doing better once she knows better. VERDICT Gino's sophomore effort is every bit as affecting and important as their first novel, George. Jilly is a realistic role model, particularly for young white readers, on how to listen with an open heart, build authentic friendships, and use one's privilege for good.—Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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