Speechless - by Kate Darbishire (Paperback)

About the Book

She can't walk.

She uses a wheelchair.

And her treacherous voice makes it sound like she also has learning difficulties.

So she chooses to be SPEECHLESS.

Book Synopsis

She can't walk. She can't even talk. But she has so much to tell you...

Eleven year old Harriet has Cerebral Palsy. At her new Secondary School, she is bullied and ridiculed every day and she doesn't know how to make friends.

Charlotte tries - but how do you talk to someone who won't talk back?

When Harriet's mum is rushed into hospital, her Grandmother, Gloria has far more important things to worry about than Harriet. Like whether her nail polish matches her outfit.

Jake, Harriet's brother, starts skipping school and acting weird. Harriet can see he's in danger but what can she do?

Harriet is plucky and resilient but is she brave enough to face up to her challenges?

Whether you are ten or one hundred and ten, Speechless is a brutally frank, debut novel to read in one sitting and pass on to your friends. Its powerful message will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Perfect for fans of RJ Palacio's Wonder and Sharon M.Draper's Out of My Mind.

Kate Darbishire has a daughter with Cerebral Palsy and worked in Special Needs Schools for ten years.

Review Quotes

A great book to read alongside Wonder and useful to prompt children to discuss diversity in their own lives. Tom Tolkien, schoolreadinglist.co.uk

A beautiful story about a little girl fighting to be braver than she feels. If everyone read this book, the whole world would be that little bit kinder. Rachel Wilkinson, English teacher and secondary school librarian.

The kids in my class think I am the kid with special needs but reading Speechless made me realise I hardly have anything wrong with me. It is a really good book to read when you are feeling sad or worried about yourself. I was still shaking with excitement 10 minutes after I finished it. Young reader.

Wow! This book needs to be read by my speech therapist. It is explaining why I need my new speech aid perfectly. Young reader with Cerebral Palsy.

Perfect for use in PHSE in a mainstream classroom Thought-provoking without being preachy. Teacher and parent of 2 children with special needs.

An emotional rollercoaster! Word of warning... Do not read on a busy train as people stare when you start to cry uncontrollably. Anna M, Social Worker.