Summary

Megan is deaf, but has managed to make a comfortable niche for herself in her neighborhood as well as being a force to be reckoned with in a family where she wants no pity and insists on as much independence as possible. The summer Cindy moves in down the street is full of changes for her. Their friendship teaches both girls new skills in giving and receiving help, understanding, and loyalty.

Cindy needs to learn when and how to offer help. She also learns sign language. Megan needs to learn how to receive the concessions and help others offer without defensiveness. When the girls go to camp together they are taken under the wing of a counselor with a deaf sister who knows how to sign and who integrates them into camp life gracefully and protectively. Their friendship is challenged when Megan meets Lizzy who is also deaf, and who therefore shares common ground with Megan in ways Cindy can't.

The three girls form a bond, but not without rivalry and misunderstanding. After a period of estrangement during which both Megan and Cindy have to reevaluate their strategies of giving and receiving help and leadership, they reaffirm a friendship that involves a new maturity in understanding the demands of real inclusiveness.

Commentary

Megan's story is told in straightforward, plain prose. Probably most suitable for young people between 9 and 14. Each chapter deals with a particular issue in Megan's life the summer she acquires a new best friend and goes to camp for the first time. The overall theme of emerging into a world not fully attuned to the needs of the deaf is handled directly and helpfully. Though the style is rather plain and the situations somewhat predictable, the novel is helpful in articulating the specific difficulties and strategies a deaf child grapples with, as well as what skills are helpful in being a friend to someone who is deaf.

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

Place Published

New York

Edition

2002

Page Count

200