Shanna's Reviews > Speechless: A Graphic Novel

Gotta say that this book really surprised me. Not because I didn’t think it was gonna be good. I have read Steinke’s other work (Mr. Wolf’s Class series) and loved it! I think what I was surprised by was the beautiful way that everything came together for Mira’s story. I felt like the book started a little slowly, but, once it got into a groove, it really shined! I love the care with which the author takes on a tough subject like Selective Mutism, which is hard for even grown-ups like me to understand. I was (and am) a bit shy, so I could relate to Mira’s social anxiety. And looking back, I do think I knew some kids in school who might have had SM. I hope I was kind in their eyes. The scenes where Mira does her stop motion animation are super special and I think I enjoyed those the most. This may or may not be the most random review ever…

Anyway, props to Aron Nels Steinke for bringing up Selective Mutism (SM) in a children’s graphic novel and making a story that so many can relate to. The characters felt real and you were rooting for everyone in the end. I also like that he clarified that not everyone with SM has the same experiences or is even diagnosed the same exact way. No two people are alike and no two people’s experiences will be the same, even if they have the same disorder. Fiction should not imply that “Everyone with disorder x is this way and has these symptoms,” etc. I feel a note like this in the back of the book is a great reminder. Loved the book. Put it on your list!

#WeNeedDiverseBooks

Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 25