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Give Me a Sign
Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that’s what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes—when you don’t feel “deaf enough” to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world’s expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change.
When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts but not rules, a YouTuber who’s just a bit desperate for clout, the campers Lilah’s responsible for (and overwhelmed by)—and then there’s Isaac, the dreamy Deaf counselor who volunteers to help Lilah with her signing.
Romance was never on the agenda, and Lilah’s not positive Isaac likes her that way. But all signs seem to point to love. Unless she’s reading them wrong? One thing’s for sure: Lilah wanted change, and things here are certainly different than what she’s used to.
In her sweet and swoony debut, Anna Sortino delivers a poignant coming-of-age story and a revelatory exploration of Deaf culture, its vastness, and its beautiful complexities.
When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts but not rules, a YouTuber who’s just a bit desperate for clout, the campers Lilah’s responsible for (and overwhelmed by)—and then there’s Isaac, the dreamy Deaf counselor who volunteers to help Lilah with her signing.
Romance was never on the agenda, and Lilah’s not positive Isaac likes her that way. But all signs seem to point to love. Unless she’s reading them wrong? One thing’s for sure: Lilah wanted change, and things here are certainly different than what she’s used to.
In her sweet and swoony debut, Anna Sortino delivers a poignant coming-of-age story and a revelatory exploration of Deaf culture, its vastness, and its beautiful complexities.
303 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2023
About the author
Anna Sortino
2 books365 followersAnna Sortino is the author of Give Me a Sign and On the Bright Side. She writes stories about disabled characters living their lives and falling in love.
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Anna has since lived in different cities from coast to coast, spending her free time exploring nature with her dog or reading on the couch with her cat.
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Anna has since lived in different cities from coast to coast, spending her free time exploring nature with her dog or reading on the couch with her cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,301 reviews
January 3, 2023
GIVE ME A SIGN is a charming story about fitting in, finding your community, and falling in love at summer camp. This heartwarming debut is a beautifully nuanced representation of Deaf culture and what it means to find your voice in a society that doesn’t want to listen.
February 8, 2023
This is such an accessible introduction to Deaf culture & will mean so much to so many Deaf & HOH kids. I learned so much as a hearing reader, on top of feeling all the summer camp nostalgia.
September 14, 2023
this book was very feel-good as well as educational, and i liked following lilah throughout the summer! i thought it was especially neat how you as the reader only know as much ASL as she does, so all the miscommunications and missed dialogue at the beginning of the book steadily becomes more comprehensible the further you get into the book and the more she learns.
i thought the summer camp feeling to this definitely shone through as well as the other plot points. but being YA it had some pretty predictable emotional angst to it with the relationship. also, at times i wished this author would've just written a non-fiction book about deaf culture rather than packing a bunch of messages into a story, because the middle and end of it somewhat felt like bouncing from plot point to plot point just to make a statement about ableism.
but i still learned a lot and it was packaged up in a fun romance, so i definitely recommend this if you want to read more books about characters who are hard of hearing or just want a summer campy read!
i thought the summer camp feeling to this definitely shone through as well as the other plot points. but being YA it had some pretty predictable emotional angst to it with the relationship. also, at times i wished this author would've just written a non-fiction book about deaf culture rather than packing a bunch of messages into a story, because the middle and end of it somewhat felt like bouncing from plot point to plot point just to make a statement about ableism.
but i still learned a lot and it was packaged up in a fun romance, so i definitely recommend this if you want to read more books about characters who are hard of hearing or just want a summer campy read!
May 12, 2023
5⭑
Tropes;
- friends to lovers
- summer camp
- deaf rep
- single POV
- YA
“It’s not hearing loss, it’s Deaf gain”
This book follows Deaf 17 year old Lilah who lives in a very hearing world. Has hearing parents, hearing friends, attends a mainstream school etc but struggles to fit in or keep up.
Until she attends Gray Wolf, a summer camp for the Deaf and Blind, as a counsellor. She knows very little ASL but being surrounded by people who are like her, she starts to become more comfortable and accepts herself as she is.
This was a lovely friends to lovers romance and had excellent Deaf representation in all main characters & side characters. I personally identify with Lilah a lot and got quite emotional at times reading her (very relatable to me) struggles with her deaf identity - of being stuck in the middle between the hearing and the deaf world.
I honestly wish this book had been around when I was 13 years old bc it would’ve made younger me sooo happy to read a character who I could see myself in.
The book is a great insight into living with deafness and deaf culture and one I 100% recommend.
Tropes;
- friends to lovers
- summer camp
- deaf rep
- single POV
- YA
“It’s not hearing loss, it’s Deaf gain”
This book follows Deaf 17 year old Lilah who lives in a very hearing world. Has hearing parents, hearing friends, attends a mainstream school etc but struggles to fit in or keep up.
Until she attends Gray Wolf, a summer camp for the Deaf and Blind, as a counsellor. She knows very little ASL but being surrounded by people who are like her, she starts to become more comfortable and accepts herself as she is.
This was a lovely friends to lovers romance and had excellent Deaf representation in all main characters & side characters. I personally identify with Lilah a lot and got quite emotional at times reading her (very relatable to me) struggles with her deaf identity - of being stuck in the middle between the hearing and the deaf world.
I honestly wish this book had been around when I was 13 years old bc it would’ve made younger me sooo happy to read a character who I could see myself in.
The book is a great insight into living with deafness and deaf culture and one I 100% recommend.
June 7, 2023
Reading this book made me think about all the times I've been forced to go to Church or to listen to personal development seminars in the past. It was just so incredibly preachy that it became difficult to tolerate at times.
🍃 THE STORY
Before anything else -- I did learn a lot about Deaf culture, which is fantastic. However! I just wish that this book had more showing than telling. I read as an escape, you know? At some point, I felt like I was reading a formal complaint to the mayor's office or something. 90% of the book was just the main character complaining about Deaf struggles (and I do recognize and admire the passion that went into this). It just felt like there was no actual story. This was your very typical, cliche summer camp romance story retold with disabled characters.
🍃 THE CHARACTERS
The MC, Lilah
The heroine in Give Me a Sign is hard of hearing, and it makes so much sense that she would feel like the world around her doesn't treat her the way she should be treated. Even without knowing that the author herself is Deaf, the main character was very clearly written by someone who has incredibly strong and firm beliefs, which I have a lot of respect for. That being said, it was so difficult for me to get into her character. She was pushing other people to be mindful and respectful, when she herself didn't always act in a way that warranted respect. There wasn't anything interesting about her aside from her being Deaf.
Other Characters
I honestly can't remember jack shit about any of the other characters. Isaac, the love interest was sweet; Lilah's little brother was cute -- that's about it! I can't even remember anyone's names or what differentiated any of them from each other. All of the characters were pretty flat and unremarkable. They were just used as examples of the different Deaf/disabled experiences.
🍃 CONCLUSION
I would sort-of recommend this to others, but purely for educational (as opposed to recreational) purposes. You'll learn a lot from this, really. You just need to go in with an open mind and a lot of patience. Maybe go into this one thinking you're reading an instruction manual or something.
🍃 THE STORY
Before anything else -- I did learn a lot about Deaf culture, which is fantastic. However! I just wish that this book had more showing than telling. I read as an escape, you know? At some point, I felt like I was reading a formal complaint to the mayor's office or something. 90% of the book was just the main character complaining about Deaf struggles (and I do recognize and admire the passion that went into this). It just felt like there was no actual story. This was your very typical, cliche summer camp romance story retold with disabled characters.
🍃 THE CHARACTERS
The MC, Lilah
The heroine in Give Me a Sign is hard of hearing, and it makes so much sense that she would feel like the world around her doesn't treat her the way she should be treated. Even without knowing that the author herself is Deaf, the main character was very clearly written by someone who has incredibly strong and firm beliefs, which I have a lot of respect for. That being said, it was so difficult for me to get into her character. She was pushing other people to be mindful and respectful, when she herself didn't always act in a way that warranted respect. There wasn't anything interesting about her aside from her being Deaf.
Other Characters
I honestly can't remember jack shit about any of the other characters. Isaac, the love interest was sweet; Lilah's little brother was cute -- that's about it! I can't even remember anyone's names or what differentiated any of them from each other. All of the characters were pretty flat and unremarkable. They were just used as examples of the different Deaf/disabled experiences.
🍃 CONCLUSION
I would sort-of recommend this to others, but purely for educational (as opposed to recreational) purposes. You'll learn a lot from this, really. You just need to go in with an open mind and a lot of patience. Maybe go into this one thinking you're reading an instruction manual or something.
August 30, 2023
A great YA ownvoice summer camp story where deaf pride shone. At the risk of sounding ignorant, I learned so much about deaf culture in this well narrated audiobook. I hadn't known about the complexities surrounding getting hearing aids and cochlear implants in terms of differing opinions within the deaf community. The overwhelming message is everyone needs to make their own decisions but that deafness isn't something that needs to be 'cured'. Also, deafness shouldn't be seen as an inconvenience for others and that using accommodations should be standard practice for institutions, family and friends. It was also a cute romance. In the audiobook when signing there was an accompanying rustling sound so you knew that they were signing. A shocking incident takes place that takes us into the world of ignorance, misinterpretation and lack of understanding and awareness when dealing with disabilities. A fantastic book!
Want to read
July 10, 2023ACTUAL DEAF REP!! THEY'RE SIGNING!! ON THE COVER!!
Read
July 11, 2023Having just gotten hearing aids recently, my interest in this book zoomed even higher than it had been. (My son made friends with a Deaf teen when he was a teen, and as a result, got into ASL studies.) I found this to be a terrific read--full of passion, as seventeen-year-old Lilah goes to summer camp for deaf and blind students as a student counselor.
Lilah has been poised between the Deaf culture and that of the hearing, as she hears partially, and wears hearing aids. Which are not perfect by any means. Her younger brother, also with hearing issues, is being nudged by their hearing parents toward getting a cochlear implant, while at age eleven.
Lilah's experiences at camp run the gamut of what deaf and Deaf (and blind) kids can run into. It can be frustrating, and it can be horribly scary when the hearing world just doesn't get it, or won't get it. At times the story stopped so that Lilah's first-person narrator could lecture the reader a bit, but those rants are short, and resonant with authenticity. Then the story picks right up again, with an interesting collection of young adults and young kids.
It's a quick, engaging read--I really enjoyed this book. I hope to see more with Deaf main characters coming out!
Lilah has been poised between the Deaf culture and that of the hearing, as she hears partially, and wears hearing aids. Which are not perfect by any means. Her younger brother, also with hearing issues, is being nudged by their hearing parents toward getting a cochlear implant, while at age eleven.
Lilah's experiences at camp run the gamut of what deaf and Deaf (and blind) kids can run into. It can be frustrating, and it can be horribly scary when the hearing world just doesn't get it, or won't get it. At times the story stopped so that Lilah's first-person narrator could lecture the reader a bit, but those rants are short, and resonant with authenticity. Then the story picks right up again, with an interesting collection of young adults and young kids.
It's a quick, engaging read--I really enjoyed this book. I hope to see more with Deaf main characters coming out!
July 20, 2023
This book needs to be in every single high school. If I was a millionare, I would buy boxes of them and personally hand them to librarians in every single one of the fifty states.
The best part of fiction and non-ficiton stories is what you can learn. That's one of my favorite things about diving into diverse books. What can I learn about the world that surrounds me. What can I do to open my mind and eyes to be more inclusive and respectful.
"Give Me a Sign" is one of the best young adult novels I have read. I learned so much. I never knew how isolating it could be living in a hearing world when you lack that ability. I loved stepping into Lilah's shoes. Following her on her path to appreciate and understand her deafness was a beautiful experience. I loved that she wanted to open her mind and change her life for the better. She gains confidence. She gains knowledge. She gains friendship. It's a remarkable story.
I knew I was loving this story when I found myself looking up signs as they were mentioned throughout the story and literally pausing to do them in real life.
I wanted to join this summer camp by the end.
"Give Me Sign" is a beautiful story. It is a light and sweet read. It has characters you want to hug. It has a setting that gives all the summer vibes you need. It will literally make you want to drop everything to learn sign language.
For anyone who loved True Biz, please pick up this book. You will learn so much about the deaf community through the eyes of a teenager. It's a very unique perpesective that you don't get to experience in a lot of books.
I loved seeing deaf and blind culture being represented. I hope that we see more books for all ages that include sign language in the future.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the advanced reader copy! Give Me a Sign is out in the world now! Go get yourself a copy of this delightful young adult story today!
The best part of fiction and non-ficiton stories is what you can learn. That's one of my favorite things about diving into diverse books. What can I learn about the world that surrounds me. What can I do to open my mind and eyes to be more inclusive and respectful.
"Give Me a Sign" is one of the best young adult novels I have read. I learned so much. I never knew how isolating it could be living in a hearing world when you lack that ability. I loved stepping into Lilah's shoes. Following her on her path to appreciate and understand her deafness was a beautiful experience. I loved that she wanted to open her mind and change her life for the better. She gains confidence. She gains knowledge. She gains friendship. It's a remarkable story.
I knew I was loving this story when I found myself looking up signs as they were mentioned throughout the story and literally pausing to do them in real life.
I wanted to join this summer camp by the end.
"Give Me Sign" is a beautiful story. It is a light and sweet read. It has characters you want to hug. It has a setting that gives all the summer vibes you need. It will literally make you want to drop everything to learn sign language.
For anyone who loved True Biz, please pick up this book. You will learn so much about the deaf community through the eyes of a teenager. It's a very unique perpesective that you don't get to experience in a lot of books.
I loved seeing deaf and blind culture being represented. I hope that we see more books for all ages that include sign language in the future.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the advanced reader copy! Give Me a Sign is out in the world now! Go get yourself a copy of this delightful young adult story today!
June 23, 2023
This was such a heartwarming and thought provoking novel! Give Me a Sign is part coming-of-age story and part sweet romance. It explores what it means to fit in, to struggle with identity, and to find community. I learned so much about Deaf culture and camp Gray Wolf brought back my own fond memories of summer camp. The friends to lovers slow burn romance was so sweet and captured those young love insecurities and vulnerabilities so perfectly. Lilah’s struggle with her Deaf identity was particularly emotional and I really loved her character arc and growth. Some moments in the book borderlined on preachy, but I think that had more to do with this novel being intended for a YA audience than anything else. The heavier moments were balanced well with the more lighthearted ones (though there is quite a terrifying event towards the end of the book that I found very difficult to listen to) and I’m very impressed that this was a debut.
The audiobook was really well done and Elizabeth Robbins was perfect as Lilah. I liked that the speech was sometimes muffled, which helped to understand what Lilah was experiencing.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
CW: ableism, misunderstanding and negative encounter with the police, underage drinking
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
The audiobook was really well done and Elizabeth Robbins was perfect as Lilah. I liked that the speech was sometimes muffled, which helped to understand what Lilah was experiencing.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
CW: ableism, misunderstanding and negative encounter with the police, underage drinking
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
July 14, 2024
Najważniejsza dla mnie książka tego roku. To powieść, historia fikcyjna, ale świetnie przedstawia zagadnienia dotyczące dyskryminacji, barier w świecie słyszących i rozważań na temat tożsamości i bycia osobą Głuchą.
Czekałam na taką powieść całe swoje głuche życie i cieszę się, że wreszcie się doczeka��am, a do tego mogłam się przyczynić do tego, żeby polska wersja językowa obyła się bez błędów i była dla polskich osób czytających bardziej zrozumiała.
Czekałam na taką powieść całe swoje głuche życie i cieszę się, że wreszcie się doczeka��am, a do tego mogłam się przyczynić do tego, żeby polska wersja językowa obyła się bez błędów i była dla polskich osób czytających bardziej zrozumiała.
July 28, 2023
As an autistic person, I try my best to pay attention to books with disability representation, and I try to read a variety of them. Still, I haven't come across a whole lot of books with Deaf representation, so I was very excited to see this YA contemporary being released!
This is such a good summer read! It's set at a summer camp for blind and Deaf kids, where Lilah, our protagonist, used to come as a child, and is now going to be a junior counsellor. There's a lot of camp vibes, centering new friendships and new romance, which was a really good time.
I really enjoyed the setting of summer camp, because through Lilah's eyes, we meet a lot of different people, which makes it clear that there are a lot of ways to be Deaf, and that there are a lot of different ways people can view their own Deafness. It was so great to see Lilah connect more with other Deaf people, and learn sign language as a way to be more authentic to herself, and to communicate with others better. It was so amazing to see her grow into her own throughout the course of the book.
This is such a good summer read! It's set at a summer camp for blind and Deaf kids, where Lilah, our protagonist, used to come as a child, and is now going to be a junior counsellor. There's a lot of camp vibes, centering new friendships and new romance, which was a really good time.
I really enjoyed the setting of summer camp, because through Lilah's eyes, we meet a lot of different people, which makes it clear that there are a lot of ways to be Deaf, and that there are a lot of different ways people can view their own Deafness. It was so great to see Lilah connect more with other Deaf people, and learn sign language as a way to be more authentic to herself, and to communicate with others better. It was so amazing to see her grow into her own throughout the course of the book.
September 4, 2023
5/5 stars, one of the cutest summer camp stories I've read in quite a while
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and G.P. Putnam's Books for Young Readers for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
First and foremost, this is a fantastic book full of diverse characters and really nice connections between other characters. The deaf/hard of hearing representation in this book is utterly fantastic, and it also has blindness representation alongside it. There really needs to be more books like this because I did learn a lot about how these people find ways to function throughout their lives and adapt to different situations than those who are not deaf. It also showed a lot of the situations that these persons can find themselves in where they may experience extreme ableism. When those situations happened I found myself feeling very much the same emotions the characters were feeling, and so very appalled that people might treat them like this. This is why diverse stories are so important to have in society!
Beyond the amazing diversity and representation in this book, I've really always loved stories about summer camps. Maybe it's because I've never actually been to one so I think the idea is really fun, but this story was no exception. It gave me all the summer vibes I was hoping for, especially with how active all the characters had to be to help the kids in their group. There were some different things at this summer camp, as it was built for blind and deaf people, but it just once again helped bring a new understanding to me about how these people adapt throughout their lives.
All the characters were really a fun cast too, Lilah the main character is trying to learn ASL and so she decides to come back to this summer camp she attended as a kid, as a junior counselor. She was really relatable and I think a wonderful representation of teenagers and young adults, she was resourceful and very caring about everyone around her. Some of the other notable characters were Isaac the boy whom she ends up having a crush on, Oliver one of the lifeguards from Europe who was super sweet, Mackenzie who has some internalized ableism that is addressed through the book and is actually super sweet, and Ethan the lead counselor. These characters really created a welcoming environment for even me as a reader, I felt like I was apart of a little family with all of them as I followed their summer adventures.
The romance did feel a bit like younger ya, but considering they were at a summer camp I thought this was still appropriate. Lilah and Isaac were both very cute, and it was obvious that they liked each other even from the beginning even if there was some miscommunication. I think the development of their relationship did make sense as well considering the setting, and honestly the ending was very realistic. Obviously, just starting a romance over the summer is going to be hard, but I do have hope that they would continue their relationship based on the ending.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. There was nothing that I disliked because there was some amazing representation alongside some really sweet characters and romance. Everything about this book was the perfect summer read and more books from this author will definitely be on my radar.
[TW: deafness and hearing loss depiction, ableism, tornado and damage, police arrest and incident]
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and G.P. Putnam's Books for Young Readers for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
First and foremost, this is a fantastic book full of diverse characters and really nice connections between other characters. The deaf/hard of hearing representation in this book is utterly fantastic, and it also has blindness representation alongside it. There really needs to be more books like this because I did learn a lot about how these people find ways to function throughout their lives and adapt to different situations than those who are not deaf. It also showed a lot of the situations that these persons can find themselves in where they may experience extreme ableism. When those situations happened I found myself feeling very much the same emotions the characters were feeling, and so very appalled that people might treat them like this. This is why diverse stories are so important to have in society!
Beyond the amazing diversity and representation in this book, I've really always loved stories about summer camps. Maybe it's because I've never actually been to one so I think the idea is really fun, but this story was no exception. It gave me all the summer vibes I was hoping for, especially with how active all the characters had to be to help the kids in their group. There were some different things at this summer camp, as it was built for blind and deaf people, but it just once again helped bring a new understanding to me about how these people adapt throughout their lives.
All the characters were really a fun cast too, Lilah the main character is trying to learn ASL and so she decides to come back to this summer camp she attended as a kid, as a junior counselor. She was really relatable and I think a wonderful representation of teenagers and young adults, she was resourceful and very caring about everyone around her. Some of the other notable characters were Isaac the boy whom she ends up having a crush on, Oliver one of the lifeguards from Europe who was super sweet, Mackenzie who has some internalized ableism that is addressed through the book and is actually super sweet, and Ethan the lead counselor. These characters really created a welcoming environment for even me as a reader, I felt like I was apart of a little family with all of them as I followed their summer adventures.
The romance did feel a bit like younger ya, but considering they were at a summer camp I thought this was still appropriate. Lilah and Isaac were both very cute, and it was obvious that they liked each other even from the beginning even if there was some miscommunication. I think the development of their relationship did make sense as well considering the setting, and honestly the ending was very realistic. Obviously, just starting a romance over the summer is going to be hard, but I do have hope that they would continue their relationship based on the ending.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. There was nothing that I disliked because there was some amazing representation alongside some really sweet characters and romance. Everything about this book was the perfect summer read and more books from this author will definitely be on my radar.
[TW: deafness and hearing loss depiction, ableism, tornado and damage, police arrest and incident]
June 29, 2024
tbh, this was so hard to rate😩 i ended up going with three stars because the book kind of felt repetitive...? like the whole plot revolved around Lilah being not Deaf enough, but not hearing enough. and let me follow that by saying that it's totally a valid thought and I'm not trying to diminish that struggle...it just felt like this book didn't have much of a plot besides that. i was confused at the beginning as to who the love interest was, Isaac or Ben?? i also felt like lilah was almost being rude to Blake, and i couldn't STAND her parents!!! i didn't love Isaac and lilah's relationship either, it just felt kinda off??? idk how to explain it...the relationship dynamic between the camp staff members was kinda off too, I just feel like the author didn't know how to write super well😭 i also didn't like the language...it felt so random and unneeded! I'm totally used to reading language, although I do prefer it on the lighter side lol. in this book it kinda felt like the author added it on an afterthought, so it was just unnecessary. ok, moving on to what i did like!! i loved the unique perspective it gave me on being Deaf and the culture! i absolutely love reading books that widen my worldview, and this was a great example! the cover is absolutely gorgeous too😍 Lilah and Isaac did have some cute moments, and the friendship between Lilah and Phoebe and a few others was really sweet to read about!! the ASL was a unique and interesting aspect that i really loved! i also really love the summer camp setting, it's always fun to read!! all in all, I honestly think this book could be so much better with a little bit more details/events...it just felt kinda repetitive and boring. ofc, this is just my opinion, as usual with my reviews!! i did think it was unique and I'm happy to have read it!☺️
Pages: 303
Language: 🤭🤭🤭🤭
TW⚠️: disabilities, arrest/violence, lgbtq+ side characters, minor SA threats
Genre: YA contemporary/romance
Format I read: Hardback (library)
Would I recommend to others: Depends
Pages: 303
Language: 🤭🤭🤭🤭
TW⚠️: disabilities, arrest/violence, lgbtq+ side characters, minor SA threats
Genre: YA contemporary/romance
Format I read: Hardback (library)
Would I recommend to others: Depends
June 22, 2023
2023 reads: 187/350
i received a digital review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
lilah doesn’t feel “deaf enough,” but at the same time is constantly reminded of her deafness in the hearing world. she decides to become a junior counselor at camp gray wolf, a summer camp for deaf and blind children that she used to attend when she was younger. she’s hoping to become more immersed in her community and get better with ASL, but to her surprise, she just might also find love.
i need more books with deaf representation!!! although i have two hard of hearing family members in my household, it’s still sometimes hard to wrap my mind around what they go through on a daily basis. i really liked how there were many bits of dialogue that were cut out to show that lilah either didn’t hear what was said or didn’t recognize the sign. this really made me feel some of that frustration right alongside her.
i also really liked the discussions of how important the deaf community is and the controversy surrounding cochlear implants and listening and spoken language. there were also many instances that showed how inaccessible certain things such as drive-throughs and movie theaters can be, despite having easy fixes.
i loved the romance between lilah and isaac! it was so sweet to see how their relationship grew and how much they cared for each other.
though this was mostly a lighthearted book, there were heavier discussions throughout the book and one pretty heavy plot point about 3/4 through. i don’t want to spoil too much, but it involved a very negative encounter with the police. please take care if this is a triggering topic for you.
overall, i would highly recommend this book to any YA romance fan.
i received a digital review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
lilah doesn’t feel “deaf enough,” but at the same time is constantly reminded of her deafness in the hearing world. she decides to become a junior counselor at camp gray wolf, a summer camp for deaf and blind children that she used to attend when she was younger. she’s hoping to become more immersed in her community and get better with ASL, but to her surprise, she just might also find love.
i need more books with deaf representation!!! although i have two hard of hearing family members in my household, it’s still sometimes hard to wrap my mind around what they go through on a daily basis. i really liked how there were many bits of dialogue that were cut out to show that lilah either didn’t hear what was said or didn’t recognize the sign. this really made me feel some of that frustration right alongside her.
i also really liked the discussions of how important the deaf community is and the controversy surrounding cochlear implants and listening and spoken language. there were also many instances that showed how inaccessible certain things such as drive-throughs and movie theaters can be, despite having easy fixes.
i loved the romance between lilah and isaac! it was so sweet to see how their relationship grew and how much they cared for each other.
though this was mostly a lighthearted book, there were heavier discussions throughout the book and one pretty heavy plot point about 3/4 through. i don’t want to spoil too much, but it involved a very negative encounter with the police. please take care if this is a triggering topic for you.
overall, i would highly recommend this book to any YA romance fan.
July 25, 2023
I wanted to like this book because I was excited to read that the MC was deaf and that most of the supporting characters were deaf as well. As the author pointed out in her note at the end, relatable deaf characters in stories are very rare, and she wished they existed in the books she read growing up. I was excited to read an authentic voice story and get a fresh perspective on the usual YA summer camp plot. Unfortunately, this just felt like the author running through a checklist of ways people show prejudice against deaf people instead of telling a story that showed both the challenges of being deaf AND the great things about having a tight knit community of people.
For example the story includes all of the following problematic situations (while I will stay vague on who/when/why, skip over this section if you want absolutely no spoilers):
1. Parents who do not value ASL and even joke about it by saying they know ASL with random hand signs that aren’t part of the language
2. Hospitals not providing adequate interpreters for a deaf person who is assisting a hearing patient
3. Parents pushing the use of hearing aid devices over learning ASL
4. A fast food restaurant not serving deaf customers because they assume they are faking deafness
5. A hearing person having a successful YouTube channel by teaching ASL (which isn’t fully correct ASL because she is not deaf herself)
6. Hearing person pretending they are deaf to get a guy to leave them alone
7. Donors complimenting a deaf camper for being so “well-spoken”
8. A deaf person being accused of stealing when there was just missed communication
9. A police officer and security guard getting overly aggressive with a deaf person about #8
10. Many more instances of hearing people being impatient and annoyed with deaf characters for missing dialogue, having to repeat themselves, etc.
Do all of these things happen in real life? Absolutely. And hearing people need to understand and address these prejudices. However this book missed a huge opportunity to show the joy and support the deaf community has with each other. It was just one cringy encounter after another that eventually escalated to police being involved (which to me was borderline on requiring a content warning with everything going on in the world).
Moving on from the overload of negative scenes in this story, I also felt like it read more middle grade than YA. There is a little bit of drinking and a tense scene with some hand-to-hand violence, but otherwise it felt like it could have been about a middle schooler and I wouldn’t have known the difference.
The “romance” is also instalove (ughhh so many of these lately!) and there is zero chemistry. I think with how little the romance was in the story, it should have just been left out in favor of friendly relationship instead.
February 27, 2024
One of the best Y.A. books I’ve read in a long time!
Lilah has been deaf from birth, and her hearing aids are just a part of her. Sometimes, however, she feels caught between two worlds; one with hearing people like her parents, and the one of people who have different variations of hearing loss. When Lilah takes a job as a camp counselor for blind and hearing-impaired children, she’s in for a lot of surprises, some good and some unpleasant, about “Deaf Culture”.
I could relate well to this story. I’ve worn hearing aids as an adult for ten years, and experienced some of the same difficulties as the book characters. Smiling and side-stepping away when I don’t feel part of a conversation, feeling embarrassment at misinterpreting what someone says, and discouragement when I have to ask someone to repeat themselves and risk their irritation; all very familiar situations.
This book was also great to read because of its lack of vulgar language and graphic sex scenes, two things which most Y.A. novels of today seem rife with.
Thanks, Anna Sortino, for giving me better understanding about “Deaf Pride!”
Lilah has been deaf from birth, and her hearing aids are just a part of her. Sometimes, however, she feels caught between two worlds; one with hearing people like her parents, and the one of people who have different variations of hearing loss. When Lilah takes a job as a camp counselor for blind and hearing-impaired children, she’s in for a lot of surprises, some good and some unpleasant, about “Deaf Culture”.
I could relate well to this story. I’ve worn hearing aids as an adult for ten years, and experienced some of the same difficulties as the book characters. Smiling and side-stepping away when I don’t feel part of a conversation, feeling embarrassment at misinterpreting what someone says, and discouragement when I have to ask someone to repeat themselves and risk their irritation; all very familiar situations.
This book was also great to read because of its lack of vulgar language and graphic sex scenes, two things which most Y.A. novels of today seem rife with.
Thanks, Anna Sortino, for giving me better understanding about “Deaf Pride!”
July 9, 2023
I received an ARC and I’m leaving an honest review.
The differences and clear lines between the hearing world and the Deaf world are very stark in this book (and in reality). It was nice to read about this immersion into Deaf culture and how, even in your own community, it can be hard to accept your identity.
The supermarket incident was hard to read, and the knowledge that it's a situation (and misunderstanding) that happens all the time didn't make it any less terrifying.
One thing I loved is the fact that almost the entire cast was disabled, and I think it's great that we have this type of story in a young adult book, both for the Deaf kids who'll see themselves represented and for the hearing ones that will start to have a better understanding of what life is like for other people.
Because of my own anxiety (and nightmare past experience as a summer camp counselor), I was panicking and tearing up every time Lilah fell behind with ASL, or made a mistake as a counselor. It had me unintentionally on edge since the start of the book.
Isaac was a sweetheart, but he frustrated me a little bit. Despite the language barrier, he still could have found ways to emotionally communicate a little better with Lilah. But in a way, I also understand him so I can't blame him too much for that. I loved how their relationship developed and how they kept talking to each other after the end, too.
Content warnings: violence, ableism (external and internalized), prejudice, police brutality, alcohol, underage drinking, bullying, injury, sexual harassment, hearing person using ASL for clout.
The differences and clear lines between the hearing world and the Deaf world are very stark in this book (and in reality). It was nice to read about this immersion into Deaf culture and how, even in your own community, it can be hard to accept your identity.
The supermarket incident was hard to read, and the knowledge that it's a situation (and misunderstanding) that happens all the time didn't make it any less terrifying.
One thing I loved is the fact that almost the entire cast was disabled, and I think it's great that we have this type of story in a young adult book, both for the Deaf kids who'll see themselves represented and for the hearing ones that will start to have a better understanding of what life is like for other people.
Because of my own anxiety (and nightmare past experience as a summer camp counselor), I was panicking and tearing up every time Lilah fell behind with ASL, or made a mistake as a counselor. It had me unintentionally on edge since the start of the book.
Isaac was a sweetheart, but he frustrated me a little bit. Despite the language barrier, he still could have found ways to emotionally communicate a little better with Lilah. But in a way, I also understand him so I can't blame him too much for that. I loved how their relationship developed and how they kept talking to each other after the end, too.
Content warnings: violence, ableism (external and internalized), prejudice, police brutality, alcohol, underage drinking, bullying, injury, sexual harassment, hearing person using ASL for clout.
June 16, 2023
A fantastic debut that follows Lilah throughout her summer at a sleepaway camp for those who are deaf and blind. While Lilah has a hearing loss, she doesn’t use ASL much being surrounded by parents and friends who do not sign and having hearing aids that help compensate. When she gets to the camp, her experience and mindset surrounding hearing loss quickly beings to change and with new friendships formed, Lilah also gets to experience love.
What I loved:
-Learning more about the deaf and hard of hearing community- from those who are born deaf and only sign, to those with hearing aids and cochlear implants. I loved the emphasis on how there is not one way to be “deaf”
-All the sleepaway camp nostalgia
-The friends to lovers YA romance was very cute and brought all the feels
-How the audiobook had moments where the speech was muffled to show how people who are hearing impaired may interpret spoken language
I cannot wait to share this with my High School students!!
Thank you Penguin Young Readers and PRH Audio for the ARC! Pub day: 7/11
What I loved:
-Learning more about the deaf and hard of hearing community- from those who are born deaf and only sign, to those with hearing aids and cochlear implants. I loved the emphasis on how there is not one way to be “deaf”
-All the sleepaway camp nostalgia
-The friends to lovers YA romance was very cute and brought all the feels
-How the audiobook had moments where the speech was muffled to show how people who are hearing impaired may interpret spoken language
I cannot wait to share this with my High School students!!
Thank you Penguin Young Readers and PRH Audio for the ARC! Pub day: 7/11
July 8, 2023
3.5 stars
*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not in any way impact my review.*
I haven't ever read any books centered around Deaf community and culture, and this was a really good look into such, from my limited knowledge on the subject. I was really immersed and came out of the book feeling much more educated on a subject that I've been interested in for a while. I love summer camp stories and the vibes of this one were really fun, and I enjoyed reading it for the most part.
However. I was really disappointed by the blatant irresponsibility of many of the counselors and the camp director. There's a scene in the book in which most of the counselors pack up, leave the camp, and go to hang out at a bar. Keep in mind that some of the counselors are underage, including the main character. The camp director allows minors to accompany the other counselors to the bar, where the minors are them allowed to drink. Then, the main character (a seventeen year old) is allocated to be the designated driver- without her glasses, at night, past the curfew on her license, with passengers who have all been drinking. This, to me, was absolutely not acceptable, and made more annoying since there are instances in the book where the main character is lectured about responsibility by the older counselors/director. :/
All in all, I might read this book again, but I'm not sure. My feelings are pretty mixed at this point.
*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not in any way impact my review.*
I haven't ever read any books centered around Deaf community and culture, and this was a really good look into such, from my limited knowledge on the subject. I was really immersed and came out of the book feeling much more educated on a subject that I've been interested in for a while. I love summer camp stories and the vibes of this one were really fun, and I enjoyed reading it for the most part.
However. I was really disappointed by the blatant irresponsibility of many of the counselors and the camp director. There's a scene in the book in which most of the counselors pack up, leave the camp, and go to hang out at a bar. Keep in mind that some of the counselors are underage, including the main character. The camp director allows minors to accompany the other counselors to the bar, where the minors are them allowed to drink. Then, the main character (a seventeen year old) is allocated to be the designated driver- without her glasses, at night, past the curfew on her license, with passengers who have all been drinking. This, to me, was absolutely not acceptable, and made more annoying since there are instances in the book where the main character is lectured about responsibility by the older counselors/director. :/
All in all, I might read this book again, but I'm not sure. My feelings are pretty mixed at this point.
August 2, 2023
this was such a great read, and also such an important one! if you’re looking for a book with a deaf MC, check this book out!
first of all, i loved lilah. while i can’t relate to her not feeling like she belongs in either the death or hearing worlds, i can relate to that sentiment in general, and it was great seeing her start to figure out where she belongs while also highlighting the ways in which the world unfortunately doesn’t do enough to support deaf and hard of hearing people. in gender studies class we often discuss how according to social construct theories, disability is caused by society not providing the supports necessary to create ability, and that was really clear in this book, with the lack of resources and education of the police, some of the parents, etc.
i also really liked how the author portrayed lilah’s deafness using missing words when she couldn’t hear something because it really communicated lilah’s frustration and helped the reader understand to a certain degree, what she was feeling.
the first love aspect of this book was also very cute! and i loved all of the friendships between lilah and the other counsellors as well as some of the little campers!
my carrd ❦
first of all, i loved lilah. while i can’t relate to her not feeling like she belongs in either the death or hearing worlds, i can relate to that sentiment in general, and it was great seeing her start to figure out where she belongs while also highlighting the ways in which the world unfortunately doesn’t do enough to support deaf and hard of hearing people. in gender studies class we often discuss how according to social construct theories, disability is caused by society not providing the supports necessary to create ability, and that was really clear in this book, with the lack of resources and education of the police, some of the parents, etc.
i also really liked how the author portrayed lilah’s deafness using missing words when she couldn’t hear something because it really communicated lilah’s frustration and helped the reader understand to a certain degree, what she was feeling.
the first love aspect of this book was also very cute! and i loved all of the friendships between lilah and the other counsellors as well as some of the little campers!
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
my carrd ❦
January 22, 2024
╰┈➤ 4 stars
April 9, 2023
So I really loved the Deaf representation in this book. It was very beautifully incorporated and I liked learning more about different variations of the disability - it was lovely seeing all these different kids come together and embrace themselves.
That being said, I wasn’t super into the rest of the book. There were a lot of characters and most I didn’t feel I got enough characterization on. Lilah was fine but she was rude a lot and very judgmental about not only hearing individuals but in general to everyone - like the girl with the cochlear. Yet when she meets Isaac, she almost falls instantly in love. Isaac was fine but he was so jealous and it felt like weird jealousy? I didn’t really like it. 😬 The two of them were meh imo.
Minor spoilers below!!!!!!!!!
The other pieces I didn’t like were some of the plots, both big and small pieces. I especially HATED the segment where the counselors went out drinking for a night off and not only were a lot of them underage, but they told the 17yo who didn’t have her glasses or her hearing aide that she’d have to drive a VAN back. Like they didn’t even warn her??? I hate when books show underage drinking in an okay light - especially bc the assistant director was with them and I bet he had to be over 21.
And I really felt weird about the canoe tipping scene. I worked as a canoe instructor at camp for years and it’s seriously hard to tip a canoe? Unless it’s a crappy canoe or these girls were like half out of it. 😂 Idk, it felt like a random weird insert. A lot of those little tiny things felt like weird and random - like they didn’t add much to the experience of the story. And tbh, having gone to and worked at camp myself, I didn’t feel all that “camp excitement” from this book. It was very much more about the drama and the romance than the camp itself.
Overall, I think this book is a great step in the right direction for inclusion and diversity. But I had issues with the normal book stuff - plot, characterization, etc.
That being said, I wasn’t super into the rest of the book. There were a lot of characters and most I didn’t feel I got enough characterization on. Lilah was fine but she was rude a lot and very judgmental about not only hearing individuals but in general to everyone - like the girl with the cochlear. Yet when she meets Isaac, she almost falls instantly in love. Isaac was fine but he was so jealous and it felt like weird jealousy? I didn’t really like it. 😬 The two of them were meh imo.
Minor spoilers below!!!!!!!!!
The other pieces I didn’t like were some of the plots, both big and small pieces. I especially HATED the segment where the counselors went out drinking for a night off and not only were a lot of them underage, but they told the 17yo who didn’t have her glasses or her hearing aide that she’d have to drive a VAN back. Like they didn’t even warn her??? I hate when books show underage drinking in an okay light - especially bc the assistant director was with them and I bet he had to be over 21.
And I really felt weird about the canoe tipping scene. I worked as a canoe instructor at camp for years and it’s seriously hard to tip a canoe? Unless it’s a crappy canoe or these girls were like half out of it. 😂 Idk, it felt like a random weird insert. A lot of those little tiny things felt like weird and random - like they didn’t add much to the experience of the story. And tbh, having gone to and worked at camp myself, I didn’t feel all that “camp excitement” from this book. It was very much more about the drama and the romance than the camp itself.
Overall, I think this book is a great step in the right direction for inclusion and diversity. But I had issues with the normal book stuff - plot, characterization, etc.
April 2, 2024
Digital audiobook performed by Elizabeth Robbins
From the book jacket: Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least that’s what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes – when you don’t feel “deaf enough” to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world’s expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change. When she becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community.
My reactions:
I loved this book. Sortino is Deaf and passionate about seeing diverse characters portrayed in the media. This is her debut novel.
Lilah and the other counselors at Camp Grey Wolf are in many ways typical teenagers. They are looking for opportunities for their future, trying different approaches to future success, testing their wings with a few months of independence from parents. They enjoy a variety of activities – music, dancing, art, reading, cooking – and are eager to make friends, and even have a romance. But they are also dealing with the obstacles posed by the disabilities they have.
While the experience at camp is eye-opening and refreshing for campers and counselors alike, Sortino doesn’t shy away from relating real difficulties faced by the Deaf. A scene at a fast food drive-thru window is a perfect example. This really opened my eyes to the some of the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
I listened to the audiobook, which was performed by Elizabeth Robbins. The irony of my listening to an audio version of a book about the Deaf was not lost on me. Robbins does a great job and I liked the way the producers dealt with those cases where a deaf character missed vital information because she or he could not fully “hear” what was being said. (In the text version, Sortino inserts blanks to convey that information is being missed.)
From the book jacket: Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least that’s what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes – when you don’t feel “deaf enough” to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world’s expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change. When she becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community.
My reactions:
I loved this book. Sortino is Deaf and passionate about seeing diverse characters portrayed in the media. This is her debut novel.
Lilah and the other counselors at Camp Grey Wolf are in many ways typical teenagers. They are looking for opportunities for their future, trying different approaches to future success, testing their wings with a few months of independence from parents. They enjoy a variety of activities – music, dancing, art, reading, cooking – and are eager to make friends, and even have a romance. But they are also dealing with the obstacles posed by the disabilities they have.
While the experience at camp is eye-opening and refreshing for campers and counselors alike, Sortino doesn’t shy away from relating real difficulties faced by the Deaf. A scene at a fast food drive-thru window is a perfect example. This really opened my eyes to the some of the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
I listened to the audiobook, which was performed by Elizabeth Robbins. The irony of my listening to an audio version of a book about the Deaf was not lost on me. Robbins does a great job and I liked the way the producers dealt with those cases where a deaf character missed vital information because she or he could not fully “hear” what was being said. (In the text version, Sortino inserts blanks to convey that information is being missed.)
July 21, 2023
Wow I really loved this story! As a sign language interpreter, everything was so relatable! I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook, although I thought the signing audio would have been more similar to Tru Biz. I loved experiencing more about Deaf culture through the stories and loved the writing style.
June 5, 2023
This was an incredible #ownvoices story about a teen girl born hard of hearing who goes to work as a councillor in training at a summer camp for the deaf and blind. I loved that this book explores the range of deaf experiences, from those born deaf. those with hearing aids, those with cochlear implants, those who choose to only speak with sign language among others. There's no one right way to be 'deaf' or "Deaf" as our main character comes to learn over the summer.
The author also does a good job depicting different forms of ableism and a particularly hard to listen episode of police brutality against a BIPOC deaf teen boy who unknowingly resists arrest not realizing what's going on. There was so much to take away in this book, but also a light-hearted summer romance to balance the heavy with the sweet. Great on audio too with moments where speech is muffled to mimic how people with hearing impairments might experience things and space for sign (which is illustrated in print copies of the book).
Wonderful and highly recommended, especially for fans of books like The silence between us by Alison Gervais or True Biz by Sara Novic. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
The author also does a good job depicting different forms of ableism and a particularly hard to listen episode of police brutality against a BIPOC deaf teen boy who unknowingly resists arrest not realizing what's going on. There was so much to take away in this book, but also a light-hearted summer romance to balance the heavy with the sweet. Great on audio too with moments where speech is muffled to mimic how people with hearing impairments might experience things and space for sign (which is illustrated in print copies of the book).
Wonderful and highly recommended, especially for fans of books like The silence between us by Alison Gervais or True Biz by Sara Novic. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
June 7, 2023
What a delight of a book, and what a perfect time to read it! I finished it just as summer was starting to creep into my area, and it was amazing to read such a touching story about teens connecting at a summer camp for the deaf and blind. The touch of romance was the cherry on top. I cannot wait to see what else Anna Sortino has in store.
April 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this was one of the most wholesome and beautiful books i've ever read!
best bits👇🏻
🦻🏻 sign language (ASL) and deaf rep!!
🦻🏻 it was such a heartwarming story with such a cool concept
🦻🏻 i loved loved loved how they interpreted the sign language and showed the struggles but also the beauty of using sign
complaints👇🏻
🏕️ PART 2?!?!?! where is the second book!!
it's so refreshing to see disabled characters as main characters, just enjoying and navigating life as whoever they are without needing to change.
without needing to be saved, or be the sympathy character, or the token "tick a box" disabled character; they're just themselves, and they're *awesome*. 💖
this was one of the most wholesome and beautiful books i've ever read!
a wholesome journey of self-discovery and teen romance between two deaf camp leaders at an accessible summer camp for Deaf and Blind people!
best bits👇🏻
🦻🏻 sign language (ASL) and deaf rep!!
🦻🏻 it was such a heartwarming story with such a cool concept
🦻🏻 i loved loved loved how they interpreted the sign language and showed the struggles but also the beauty of using sign
complaints👇🏻
🏕️ PART 2?!?!?! where is the second book!!
it's so refreshing to see disabled characters as main characters, just enjoying and navigating life as whoever they are without needing to change.
without needing to be saved, or be the sympathy character, or the token "tick a box" disabled character; they're just themselves, and they're *awesome*. 💖
July 19, 2023
Lilah is a hard of hearing girl with hearing parents. They sent her to mainstream school and she has hearing friends, relying upon lipreading and hearing aids to function in daily life. The only time she's been exposed to ASL is at the camp for the deaf and blind she went to for a few summers as a kid. Lilah often struggles with feeling "deaf enough" and wonders if she belongs in the Deaf community. When she returns to the camp she went to as a kid as a counselor, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. She's not expecting to make good friends and find love but life has a way of surprising you.
In a lot of ways this is a cute and fluffy summer romance. Lilah deals with the normal struggles of being a teenager. But there's also the backdrop of the struggle of being deaf in a hearing world, depravation of language, and acceptance of disability. Differentiating between sign and spoken English by using italics was super clever. I do think it'd be really cool to see this as a graphic novel.
In a lot of ways this is a cute and fluffy summer romance. Lilah deals with the normal struggles of being a teenager. But there's also the backdrop of the struggle of being deaf in a hearing world, depravation of language, and acceptance of disability. Differentiating between sign and spoken English by using italics was super clever. I do think it'd be really cool to see this as a graphic novel.
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