  | Speechless Author: Steinke, Aron Nels | |
| Price: $20.98 | ||
Summary:
Middle school was supposed to be a fresh start for Mira, who struggles to speak in class unlike at home. She didn't used to have anxiety speaking--and she used to have friends. Now, her former best friend Chloe is her worst enemy, and Mira's only solace is making videos for her secret stop-motion animation channel. But when Chloe's mom has to travel for a family emergency, Mira is horrified to learn that her family has volunteered to let Chloe stay with them. In graphic novel format.
| Illustrator: | Czap, Kevin |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 2.60 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 554264 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (01/01/25)
School Library Journal (02/14/25)
Booklist (00/03/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/14/2025 Gr 4–7—In sixth grade, socially anxious Mira is determined to finally speak at school, but no matter how hard she tries, the words won't come. Her classmates mock her, dismissing her cruelly. At home, Mira is a different person—chatty, confident, and a skilled stop-motion filmmaker who spends hours perfecting her claymation projects while bickering with her nosy little sister. Mira's world turns upside down when her parents invite Chloe, her ex-best friend and biggest bully, to stay with them during a family emergency. Chloe acts sweet in front of Mira's parents, but Mira knows better. As tensions rise, Mira begins therapy and connects with a new friend and crush, Alex, who uses they/them pronouns. With their support, Mira learns to communicate through writing and filmmaking while working toward her goal of speaking at school. Steinke's signature cartoon-style illustrations and diverse cast make this visually appealing and engaging. The exploration of selective mutism is thoughtful and relatable. However, readers might find Mira's parents frustratingly oblivious, particularly for their disbelief in Chloe's behavior and ignorance of Mira's silence at school. Despite this, the graphic novel offers an empathetic portrayal of Mira's journey to self-expression. The author's note, which elaborates Steinke's own experiences with selective mutism, is welcome. VERDICT A heartfelt and relatable portrayal of selective mutism; recommended for all libraries serving upper elementary and middle school readers.—Amy Ribakove - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
