Waiting for a Sign by Esty Schachter {Review}

Waiting for a Sign by Esty Schachter

Paperback, 134 pages

Published November 26th 2014 by Lewis Court Press 

 

Shelly always adored her older brother, who seemed so much more confident and self-assured than she could ever hope to be.

But now that Ian attends the Hawthorne School for the Deaf, a residential school that gives him the opportunity to immerse himself in the Deaf community, Shelly feels abandoned and slighted in favor of Ian’s new friends. The two siblings have grown apart, with unspoken—and unsigned—resentment growing between them.

When Ian returns home with news that the state plans to close Hawthorne, Shelly isn’t sure she wants him back. The two siblings confront their feelings in an intense argument about signing, speaking, and communication. Doing so might bridge the gulf that separates them—or drive them further apart.

A thoughtful, revealing tale of family dynamics, Waiting for a Sign celebrates the beauty and power of Deaf culture, offering readers an opportunity for insight and understanding.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Every family has their ups and downs and sibling dynamics often seem to be at the heart of them. Ian is deaf and is attending a school for the deaf, which leaves his younger sister, Shelly, feeling a little neglected. She's not sure she wants him home full-time, as his school is set to close, because they can't seem to get along anymore. Different situations arise that cause them to each really evaluation their relationship and choices are made that will make or break it.

Both Shelly and Ian each seem to be wrapped up in their own worlds and have a lot of air to clear between them. Of course, that's easier said than done and Shelly's good friend, Lisa, helps with that. Shelly is still trying to find herself and watching her journey of self-discovery is enlightening. Ian has some hard feelings and the reasons for his actions are real and not to be discounted. I loved that, as a reader, I was able to figure things out along with the characters. Their realizations are emotional, which I wasn't expecting.

This book offers a glimpse into a few different experiences that affect people in the world today. Valuable lessons are taught to both the characters and the reader. The world is different for deaf people and it made me realize that it's also different for people with any disability. It's important to just be kind and to think outside of yourself. There's another issue that's serious to deal with and the characters handled things realistically well. This is written in a way that evokes feelings, both good and bad, and I enjoyed it.

Content: some serious issues, with vague mild violence. Very mild romance. Clean.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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About the Author:

Esty Schachter is a writer and clinical social worker.

She has published two novels for middle-grade readers, Anya's Echoes and Waiting for a Sign. Anya's Echoes was based on her own aunt's experiences during World War II, combined with a present-day bullying story. Waiting for a Sign explores sibling bonds, friendship, grief and also provides a window into Deaf culture.

Esty lives in Ithaca, New York with her family.