On the Bright Side

Gr 7 Up–Sortino and Robbins debuted together as author and narrator, respectively, in Give Me a Sign; they’re joined here by Inocalla for Sortino’s resonating she said/he said sophomore title. Although an opening note announces light sound effects will denote signing (italics are used in print), the effects are virtually indistinguishable. Robbins is a crisp, slightly prickly Ellie who’s boarded the last five years at an immersive Deaf school. Its closure means she’s returning home for senior year at the local public school. The difficult transition is further exacerbated by unaccommodating parents, losing her boyfriend, and finding Amber High almost unbearable. Initially tasked with showing Ellie around is (former) soccer star Jackson, earnestly, energetically personified by Inocalla. A surprisingly comfortable friendship grows—and develops into something more. And then he lands in the hospital.