Deer Run Home - by Ann Clare Lezotte (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Effie is Deaf, and no one in her family speaks sign language, her language. This moving story of survival and found family, inspired by a true court case and told in verse, is perfect for fans of Wonder and Out of My Mind.

"Through Effie, young readers both deaf and hearing will encounter a heartfelt homecoming story, and reassurance that they are not alone." --The New York Times

* "Quietly extraordinary." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Elegantly weaves a heartbreaking story with hope." --School Library Journal, starred review

Effie and her older sister, Deja, have recently moved into their father's trailer after an incident at their mom's house. Daddy communicates with Effie by pointing, stomping on the floor, and making thoughtless jokes. Even if they did understand each other, could she tell the terrible secret she carries when telling feels impossible--and dangerous?

But what if telling is the only way to be seen?

This tender, spare, emotionally charged story about the impact of abuse and the power of love explores what it feels like to be an outsider in your own family and to awaken--through friendship, writing, and kinship with the natural world--to a new understanding and appreciation of yourself.

Review Quotes

Praise for Deer Run Home:

* "This poignant and compelling book is meant for anyone, yet it is accessible to kids who, like Effie, struggle with reading. . . Quietly extraordinary." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "This novel in verse blends ASL grammar with English, infuses appalling circumstances with poetry, and elegantly weaves a heartbreaking story with hope. . . The themes of found family, abuse, neglect, conservation, friendship, independence, and self-worth are faced head-on, with grace and dignity. Readers of all ages will cry with Effie as she struggles to be heard and celebrate each victory as she learns how to make the world around her understand what she deserves. Highly recommended for purchase in all collections." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Using vivid and minimalist verse, LeZotte unflinchingly and sympathetically uncovers Effie's family history of neglect and abuse, shedding light on an issue that often stays in the dark." --Publishers Weekly

"A devastating but hopeful middle-grade novel-in-verse. . . Deer Run Home is a heartrending novel that deals with the pain and trauma of child sexual abuse and neglect yet remains encouraging in its exploration of resiliency, advocating for oneself, and self-worth. LeZotte deftly contrasts the neglect and abuse Effie experiences at home with the support and compassion she receives at school. . . A moving, emotionally affecting novel." --Shelf Awareness

"This verse novel captures Effie's voice clearly, in large part because of ASL's grammar rules, with poems that vary in tone from conversational to staccato, depending on Effie's emotional state ("No / one here speaks / my language . . . "). Poverty's effect on children is unflinchingly catalogued . . . The story's tone is more hope than tragic, though, never glossing over the very real abuse but still offering a path toward healing . . . An author's note provides more information about the d/Deaf community." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, recommended

"This unique story, told in verse, will break your heart and then make it whole again. I loved this book." --Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7s

"Effie's courage and sense of humor shine through in this powerful story of found family, friendship, and finding one's voice." --Kate Messner, award-winning author of Chirp and Breakout

"Ann Clare LeZotte is such a talent and deserves to be widely read!" --Lisa Yee, author of the Newbery Honor book and National Book Award Finalist Maizy Chen's Last Chance

"Rarely does a work of fiction capture the experience or mindset of a child who is deaf and has experienced abuse. Deer Run Home is an important work at a key time in deaf education, when language deprivation is getting more attention. This work could help students, educators, and parents think about the implications of children growing up in homes or schools where language isn't emphasized." --Michelle Niehaus, LCSW, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Provider

Praise for Show Me a Sign:

Schneider Family Book Award Winner

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist

New England Book Award Finalist

NPR Best Books of 2020

New York Public Library Best Books of 2020

Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2020

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2020

School Library Journal Best Books of 2020

American Indians in Children's Literature Best Books of 2020

"LeZotte's novel is more than just a page-turner. Well-researched and spare, it's a sensitive portrayal of a young girl's fight for respect and human dignity... Like Laurie Halse Anderson's Seeds of America trilogy, this work of historical fiction offers a fresh perspective on the post-Revolutionary War years by exploring issues that are just as relevant today. Middle-grade readers of every age will find a girl to root for who is asking all the right questions as she grows." --Newbery Medalist, Meg Medina for The New York Times

★ "LeZotte weaves threads of adventure, family tragedy, community, racism, and hearing people's negative assumptions about Deaf people into a beautiful and complex whole. Mary overcomes her own ordeal with the support of her community, but in the process she discovers that there is no silver bullet for the problems and prejudices of the world. There is no hollow inspirational content to be found in this tale... LeZotte acknowledges the racial tensions among the English, black, Irish, and Wampanoag residents of Martha's Vineyard, creating a dynamic that Mary interacts within but cannot fix... A vivid depiction of Deaf community along with an exciting plot and beautiful prose make this a must-read." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Everything about this novel is nuanced, from the syntax of the sign language to the discussions of island politics and history. Mary's dramatic adventure will enthrall readers, but her internal journey-from being an uncomfortable witness to prejudice (including her mother's toward the Wampanoag and freedmen, or former slaves), to experiencing it herself, to determining to oppose it by leading by example-is equally important and profound." --The Horn Book, starred review

★ "LeZotte crafts a moving tale of 1805 Martha's Vineyard that highlights issues still relevant more than 200 years later, including racism, ableism, and prejudice... these themes add nuance to the expertly crafted story of Mary, her response to her situations, her courage, and her hope that she will reunite with the community she loves. Exceptionally written, fast-paced, and full of topics that will inspire deep discussion. A valuable addition to secondary elementary or middle school collections." --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "LeZotte's engrossing historical novel explores prejudice and racism through the eyes of 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf ... LeZotte, who is deaf, deftly connects the islanders' prejudice against the Wampanoag to the mainlanders' view of deaf individuals as lesser; Mary's progressive attitudes feel modern while aligning with her character's sensibilities." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Precise and thoughtful... LeZotte's depiction of language is striking -- the reader sees the difference in conversations in spoken English and MVSL -- and she thoughtfully addresses tensions among the white, Black, and Wampanoag people who share the island. LeZotte, who is Deaf, makes the point that nothing should stand in the way of building community and seeking equality, a sentiment that resonates today." --Booklist

Praise for Set Me Free:

"Exciting and heartfelt throughout. Mary and her world are instantly captivating, and her daring rescue mission will keep readers hooked until the very end. In addition to the central themes of ableism and language deprivation, LeZotte naturally weaves in social issues of the time that still resonate today, including racism, colorism, feminism, and colonialism. Readers who enjoyed the previous title will be particularly delighted to read about Mary's further adventures. A simultaneously touching and gripping adventure." --Kirkus Reviews

"Full of adventure and twists, and LeZotte never shies away from addressing racism, ableism, or sexism...the book's themes resonate today, as Mary fights for the rights of all people and offers hope to readers facing challenges. A gripping tale of historical fiction." --Booklist

"Throughout, as in the previous novel, LeZotte sensitively interweaves and illuminates historical, white attitudes toward deaf people, the Wampanoag people, and the Black population, all the while championing Mary's forthright insistence that all be treated with respect. Mary seems set to become a true hero-adventurer, an almost larger-than-life sleuth, teacher, and woman of action; and while the story's subject matter is serious in its engagement with history's ills, LeZotte conveys a sense of real enjoyment in having Mary disrupt...the prejudices and expectations of the status quo." --The Horn Book

Praise for Sail Me Away Home:

"LeZotte's prose is as lovely and descriptive as ever. . . . Without turning the story into a lecture, she depicts the benefits of bilingual education for deaf students and weaves Mary into Deaf history. . . . Fans will be pleased with this third installment in a delightful series." --Kirkus Reviews

"With Sail Me Away Home, Ann Clare LeZotte completes her stunning trilogy of books that simultaneously tells the breathtaking story of Mary Lambert, a brave Deaf girl in 19th century America, while also shining an important spotlight on Deaf history itself. The book is a thrilling, important, and profoundly moving evocation of the Deaf experience from a brilliant Deaf writer. Thank you, Ann Clare LeZotte, for the gift of Mary Lambert, a character we can all relate to and will never forget." --Brian Selznick, bestselling creator of Big Tree and the Caldecott Medal winner The Invention of Hugo Cabret

"LeZotte deftly weaves Deaf history throughout Mary's adventures. This book is *kissfist*!!!" --Alex Gino, award-winning author of Melissa and Green

"A beautifully written, fascinating, and nuanced historical middle grade series written by a deaf author." --Book Riot

About the Author

Ann Clare LeZotte is a completely deaf and bilingual-bicultural (ASL/English) member of the Deaf community, and an essential voice for Deaf / HOH, disabled, and marginalized youth. She is the author of the Schneider Family Book Award-winning novel Show Me a Sign, which was named a best book of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library, and American Indians in Children's Literature, as well as its stand-alone companions Set Me Free and Sail Me Away Home. Her middle-grade verse novel, Deer Run Home, received three starred reviews and won the Judy Lopez Memorial Award. Ann also works as a youth librarian. She lives in Gainesville, Florida.