Jubilee

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Newbery Honor–winning author Patricia Reilly Giff writes a tender, timeless story about a girl who stopped speaking long ago, and how she finds her way back to her voice.
 
Judith lives with her beloved aunt Cora and her faithful Dog on a beautiful island. Years ago, when her mother left, Judith stopped talking. Now she communicates entirely through gestures and taps, and by drawing cartoons, speaking only when she’s alone—or with Dog.
 
This year, Judith faces a big change—leaving her small, special classroom for a regular fifth-grade class. She likes her new teacher, and finds a maybe-friend in a boy named Mason. But Jubilee’s wandering feet won’t stop until they find her mother. And now she discovers that her mother has moved back to the mainland, nearby. If Jubilee finds her, will her mother’s love be what she needs to speak again?
 
Judith’s cartoons are sprinkled throughout.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Friendship, Juvenile

160 pages, Library Binding

First published September 13, 2016

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was the author of many beloved books for children, including the Kids of the Polk Street School books, the Friends and Amigos books, and the Polka Dot Private Eye books. Several of her novels for older readers have been chosen as ALA-ALSC Notable Books and ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. They include The Gift of the Pirate Queen; All the Way Home; Water Street; Nory Ryan's Song, a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Golden Kite Honor Book for Fiction; and the Newbery Honor Books Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. Lily's Crossing was also chosen as a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book.

Reviews

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful read on what makes a family.

Judith, also known as Jubilee, is left with her aunt because her mother is too young and too reckless to care for a child. Once her mother leaves, Judith no longer speaks.

The narrative is told by Judith so we hear all of her inner thoughts and her attempts at communicating her feelings to others. And as you might guess by the cover, a dog plays a prominent role in Judith's life.

This is a quick read, but one that is heartfelt.

[Lydia Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fact: it took me a little less than 1 folklore album to read this lollll

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Patricia Reilly Giff, she really nailed it again for me with Jubilee's story! Jubilee is a young girl who lives with her aunt after her mother abandoned her when she was very young. She has become mute since then and only speaks to herself when no one is around. Through her drawings she communicates with those around her and along the way makes two new friends. This is a story of finding your voice and the power of friendships.

[Valerie Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

All PRG's books give me a warm and cozy feeling. I don't know if its her writing style, her vocabulary, her characters or maybe a combination of all these things and more. This one was no different. While most of PRG's books are historical fiction, I enjoyed reading one by her set in a contemporary time period. Judith's selective mutism was a really fascinating character trait. I loved how she found little ways to communicate with her aunt, how her friend just talked and talked and she listened and her sweet relationship with the dog. But I was especially compelled by her complex--believing she wasn't worth anything because her mom abandoned her as a toddler and that she wouldn't be able to talk until her mom affirmed her. Her inner journey and self-discovery was so sweet to watch to unfold.

[Grace J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. Felt very similar to a Patricia MacLachlan book with its understated exploration of beautiful truths. The drawings were a very nice touch.

Quotes:
"We're not fast enough to run away from sorrow."
"When you get to know something, you appreciate it. It's the same with people."

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her mother left her behind with her aunt, Judith Ann Magennis (Jubilee) stopped talking. She uses gestures and drawings to get her point across. This year, as a fifth grader, she wonders whether things will go okay at school, rescues a dog that she names Dog, and finds a friend or two at school. As she always does, this author has crafted a quiet but moving story that is sure to touch readers' hearts and remind them of what really matters in life. It takes all kinds of courage to make the world go round, and I'm glad that Jubilee realizes that she is just as brave as others in her own way. I was touched by Jubilee's story as well as appreciating the support and love she receives from Aunt Cora and Gabriel. After all, love blossoms even in the most unlikely of all places. Teachers looking for a quick read aloud to share with their students might want to choose this one for its relatable themes and its eloquent writing.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just the sweetest! I actually was looking for something to listen to (besides, you know, AIO), and I decided to try audiobooks. I loved them when I was younger, but somehow got away from them as I got older. I'd forgotten how well middle-grade books lend themselves to audio.

ANYWAY, this book is about Judith/Jubilee, a girl with selective mutism since the event of being abandoned by her mother, and how she learns what makes a family, a family. Now, when I say that, don't go thinking cliche. This one is not as cliche as every other book on the topic, and it doesn't quite end the way one would expect. Plus, the supporting cast in this book is OUTSTANDING. From her understanding, loving Aunt Cora, to the delightful Gideon, Ms. Quirk, faithful Dog, and lovable Mason, these characters weave their way into the reader's heart, and into Judith's, too.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found at the DT not long ago and solely judged the book by its cover thinking it might be an older read, but indeed it wasn’t. That being said, it was a sweet story of a girl who ended up living with her aunt after her mom left and it essentially follows her journey through friendship, family, her love for turtles and reconnection while also being mute. If you’re looking for a quick wholesome read whether it be a physical book or an audiobook.. Feel free to read this.

[Iphios · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the back of the book, there's that line that says "for more tender stories." This is a tender story. A quick read about a selectively mute girl trying to find who she is while interacting with the world. I love these sorts of stories of community and small islands, it reminds me of Anne of Green Gables and Tove Janson's Summer Book.

[SaraKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute and heartwarming, but a bit predictable and unrealistic. I liked Judith and her selective mutism was a character trait I hadn't read about before. Her life was a little too perfect on this island of ponds and critters. The dog was perfectly behaved, for one. And don't get me started on her school and teacher. It was a short, fun read, but I wouldn't look for deep revelations.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. Family is not always the same in everyone’s family. Heartwarming characters and a pretty great plot. Great story overall.

[Casey. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet tale for your younger ones. A great lesson for all

[Jennifer Priester · Rating 4 out of 5]

As of right now, this is the best book I have found about a character with selective mutism. It represents it realistically enough as far as the quiet side goes, but I have yet to find a book that truly represents it as the anxiety disorder it is rather than something that happens due to some kind of bad or unhappy experience. Having grown up with selective mutism, I’ve been looking for good fictional books to recommend to kids experiencing the same problems and challenges as I did. I think someone with selective mutism would see themselves in this book, and it is a positive message that there are people that will accept them as they are. Some of it is relatable. Like Judith, I have always been able to communicate better through nonverbal forms of communication. Art and writing were mine. I’ve always had a pet to get me through everything, someone who didn’t care if I talked or not. I didn’t have accepting or helpful teachers for a long time so I can’t relate to Judith’s school experiences beyond having plenty of kids tell me I’m not wanted and losing friends because of my selective mutism because no one wants the weird, quiet girl. I’ve experienced having friends abandon me because their new friends don’t like me. I wasn’t lucky like Judith to have a therapists or anyone that helped me through my selective mutism. She’s helpfully allowed to communicate however she is comfortable, while people always tried force and punishment to make me talk, which made things worse.

[Kaylee Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jubilee, by Patricia Reilly Giff, is a great story for lower level middle school students. Though Jubilee has not spoken sense her mother left her, she has still enjoyed long days at Ivy Cottage, swimming in the pond, and feeling so much love from her aunt who has taken her in. However, it gets to be to much for her when a girl from school bullies her. She then sets out and is determined to find her mother. Jubilee makes friends along the way, including a dog which she didn’t realize she needed so badly. This book has a great story line, however I believe Giff could have put more detail into the story and characters.

[Carissa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jubilee is a beautiful fiction story. This character goes through her emotional journey of choosing to be mute and communicate with others though comic strips which are part of the book, adding humor throughout it. This book caters to intermediate or middle grades 3rd-7th. I would suggest this book to students who could relate to her loss of someone close to them.

Fluency and comprehension would be the areas of practice with this story. It's a great one to follow, causing the reader to wonder if she will ever start talking or if you mom will come back.

[Oak Lawn Public Library - Youth Services · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Jubilee
Author: Patricia Reilly Giff
Lexile Level: 540L
Pages: 149

Recommendations & Comments:

Judith is a fifth-grader who has lived with her Aunt Cora on an island off the coast of Maine since Amber, her young mother, left her there when she was a toddler. Since that time, Judith has suffered from selective mutism, speaking only to the mirror and only when she is alone. Judith has always been in a special education class, but is now being mainstreamed, and is very worried about how the other students will treat her -- one of her classmates is a former friend who long ago decided that Judith was “weird,” and more recently told her, “Nobody wants you.” Another classmate apparently threw a ball at Judith’s head on the first day of school.

But all is not lost. The island is a beautiful place with lots of opportunities for exploration, Aunt Cora and Cora’s boyfriend Gideon adore Judith, and she’s just gotten a dog. Her new teacher seems very kind and understanding, and that ball-throwing boy, Mason, might be nice after all. Still, throughout the book, Judith’s attitude is tainted by her habit of feeling sorry for herself because of her abandonment, and her tendency to romanticize her missing mother. Her belief that Amber’s return would solve all her problems makes Judith blind to the good things she has in her life.

Judith has an opportunity to test her romantic notions of her mother when she learns that
Amber has returned and is living on the mainland coast, a mere ferry ride away. Her response to that news sets off a series of events that shows Judith what she, and her community on the island, are really made of.

Four out of five stars

Reviewed By: Mary Donovan

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judith was dropped off at her Aunt Cora's house on the island when she was quite young. Her aunt is loving and wonderful and calls Judith Jubilee, her celebration. But ever since then she has hardly ever spoken. Only in her special place can she say anything aloud. Which makes it hard to make friends. As the summer wraps up, Judith will find her life unexpectedly impacted by a dog, an unexpected friend, a new teacher, and her mother.

This is a short, simple but moving read about an upper elementary girl with selective mutism who loves nature and lives on an island off the coast of Maine. The island setting and her love of nature give this a comfy outdoorsy feel. I absolutely love her Aunt Cora. She is a wonderful woman. Judith's new teacher is pretty great too. The changes that come to Judith's life aren't quite as big as some may hope for she doesn't get over her mutism, but they are moving her in a healthier direction mentally and socially so there is a sense of peace about the ending. Make sure you read the author's acknowledgements page. It is touching to hear that this is an ode to many of the students who stood out in Giff's years of teaching and helped her love doing what she did. That's pretty cool.

Notes on content: No content issues.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

JUBILEE is a sweet and thoughtful Juvenile Fiction title about a young girl with a lot to deal with. Thankfully, she has more support than she realizes--caring adults (even if they aren't her biological parents), an accepting new friend, and even a beloved dog whose story mirrors her own.

Giff is a longtime favorite in kids' books; generations have enjoyed her books. JUBILEE, although the time period isn't clear, seems to reflect a past way of looking at things. Kids run around without adult supervision, a dog is allowed to roam and even tag along on a school field trip, and technology beyond the basic cars and telephones isn't really a part of the setting. Thus, adults who read this book will likely be reminded of the chapter books of their own childhoods.

JUBILEE is full of heart and is a good-natured read that will be enjoyed by its intended audience and those significantly older.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was cute, but it just didn't sit well with me for some reason. One thing was I couldn't tell what time period the book was set in. Based on the characters name, the attitudes of adults, and the lack of technology I assumed it was the 70s, but there wasn't any definitive answer. There were also some loose ends that I would have liked more closure on, and the pacing seemed a bit off. Some points went at a casual pace, and then other times I would have liked more details.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet story of a girl trying to find her place. She hasn't spoken since her mother left her with her aunt when she was very young. She communicates mostly through drawings. I thought there were many plot lines going on in this story, but by the end they felt undeveloped and rushed which was disappointing.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wanted to live on an island, but I've never even BEEN to an island.
I also think there would be something so lonely yet so peaceful about going even one day without speaking.

I loved this about this book: "the syrup of happiness."

I can experience that whether I live on an island or never even get to visit an island. But I still hope I get to visit one someday.

[Amanda Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story and I love the relationship between Jubilee and her aunt. I like how see makes friends with Mason.....but I just didn't see this as unique. The selective mutism, the dog who is the best friend, the missing kid, the deadbeat parent. It just felt like something I've already read.

[Myra Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jubilee also know as Jude,Judith,red and No talk girl jubilee always wandered around on the island thinking we’re her mom is and why she left her, one day as she was siting near the river someone abandoned a dog in the river and from that moment they became good friends. A good story about a girl and her life without talking.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet, tender story about a girl growing up on an island in the care of her aunt. She has selective mutism, and through the story we come to find out the events that triggered it and how her life is unfolding. The storytelling is lovely, but for me the tale has so many familiar parts that it didn't stand out.

[Tara Ethridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when I find books that are not super long but still tackle social issues. Mostly bc a lot of student readers are daunted by thick books. This one is lovely and draws you in. Jubilee chooses not to talk, and her aunt has taken her in and loves her exactly as she is and never expects her to talk. Loads of nature, loneliness and forgiveness in this book.

[Jillian Frasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. A good concept for a story, and what was there was very good and well written. I just would have liked.....more. It could have gone deeper and it didn't and I was disappointed. Read more like a short story.

[Lourdes LaRochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book 4 stars!!!

Jubilee, has selective mutism. She lives with her aunt because her mother couldn't care for. It is a bit predictable but I loved reading this. Its a pretty quick read I read in less then in hour but I would recommend getting this book it is really good!

[Liz Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet and so, so precious. My only wish was that it was longer! I wish some of the elements could have been fleshed out more. It’s definitely worth the read. Makes me want to curl up in a ball in the early morning and sing with the birds as I watch the sunrise.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this. I didn't remember until I was a few pages in. I figured, why not? I liked it before, lets see if it holds up. It does. A book I would have enjoyed as an 8 to 10-11 year old. Or a young 12 could do too.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet little book. I have many students who have a caring family member that steps into the role of parent for them. I know a lot of students can identify with MANY aspects of this story.