Speechless

by Kate Darbishire, Peter Hailley (Illustrator)

Now enjoyed by thousands of young readers! Speechless is being used in schools across the UK to encourage conversations about inclusion and diversity.

She can’t walk. She can’t even talk. But she has so much to tell you…Eleven-year-old Harriet has Cerebral Palsy. At her new Secondary School, she is bullied and ridiculed every day and she doesn’t know how to make friends.Charlotte tries – but how do you talk to someone who won’t talk back?When Harriet’s mum is rushed into hospital, her Grandmother, Gloria has far more important things to worry about than Harriet. Like whether her nail polish matches her outfit.Jake, Harriet’s brother, starts skipping school and acting weird. Harriet can see he’s in danger but what can she do?Harriet is plucky and resilient but is she brave enough to face up to her challenges?

Perfect for fans of RJ Palacio’s Wonder and Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Mind.

Whether you are ten or one hundred and ten, Speechless is a brutally frank, debut novel to read in one sitting and pass on to your friends. Its powerful message will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Kate Darbishire has a daughter with Cerebral Palsy and has worked in Special Needs Schools for nearly ten years.

Genres: Middle Grade, Novels, Young Adult

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2018

About the author

The oldest of seven children, Kate spent most of her childhood with her head in a book. She lived in a world of imagination and often made up stories to entertain her younger siblings.
When her own children came along, she loved snuggling up at bedtime to read them stories. It gave Kate an excuse to keep reading children’s books.
At thirty-three, with her four children either at school or nursery, Kate went to Bath Spa University to study Creative Writing and Education. She thought she’d be a teacher and continue writing as a hobby. It soon became obvious that writing wasn’t just a hobby for her: it was a passion - she would be a children’s author! But there was a problem. One of her daughters, who has Cerebral Palsy, couldn’t walk at four years old and had no speech. She had used sign language from nine months but made almost no noise at all. Kate took her on an amazing speech and language course and finally realised how to help her speak. It was a slow process, but now that little girl is twenty. She can walk and she never stops talking.
While her children were growing up, Kate worked as a Teaching Assistant in Special Needs Schools, helping lots of other youngsters with various needs. It is a job she loved but ever nagging at the back of her mind was that dream of becoming a children’s author. And one particular book was demanding to get out: Speechless!
Check out my website for resources for schools or to find out how to contact me!
http://katedarbishire.com

Reviews

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read about a girl named Harriet who has cerebral palsy. Great for educating children about disabilities. :)

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it wish there was a second one

[sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl called Harriet who has cerebral palsy.She is very chatty and has a lot to say. But the thing is her voice makes her sound more disabled and so she has decided to not talk at all.
When her mum is called into hospital and her dad has gone away for a business trip, Harriet is left with her grandmother and step grandfather. Harriet hasn't seen her grandmother since she was three and all she remembers about her is that she is not nice. But after a week in her grandmother and grandfathers presence they become her favourite people to hang out with. School is surprisingly good for Harriet you would think she would get bullied a lot but she has friends who stand up for her.
This book is amazing and i really enjoyed reading the journey of Harriet as she makes new friends. I think all ages can read this. and people who enjoy Diary entries and nice heart warming stories will like this book.

[Jemma sellar · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I downloaded this book because...

1. It was free on kindle unlimited
2. I was in a reading slump and needed a short story to try get me out of it.
3. The synopsis intrigued me

Well by no means was this a ground breaking read but it was eye opening and made me cry?! I was not expecting to have such an emotional reaction to a short novella.

This book basically follows a character called Harriet who was born with cerebral palsy. It follows her struggles throughout school, no friends, physiotherapy, communication issues, taunts & stigma attached to people who suffer from a physical disability. She is left in the care of her aunt and uncle while her mother is in
Hospital. She also has an older brother called Jake who throughout the story has somewhat of a mental breakdown.

The pretence of which disability is played out through other people’s eyes was disheartening and highlighted how it’s very misunderstood.

But the end really showed a true example of courage, love and determination 🥺❤️

By the end I was bubbling like a child 🌚🌚🌚🌚

My only complaint is the narration felt rushed especially towards the end. I felt like we didn’t get a conclusion or logic for certain parts of the story which I would have liked.

3 STARS ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[thetbrhoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve not shed a tear whilst reading for a long time, until I read this beauty. It’s definitely a different kind of teenage school girl and her problems read. It’s refreshing to see it from the perspective of someone who’s handicapped and wishing she could do the things her classmates do.

Harriet is so strong and so kind hearted you fall in love with her character from page 1. Her battle with not wanting to speak but wanting to be heard is wrenching to read.

It was beautiful to see the bond with her grandmother blossom and at the end you understood why it was so hard for her grandmother at the beginning. The last few chapters are the ones the tears fell.

Definitely a recommended read for anyone. Young or old.

[Denise Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harriet has cerebral palsy and finds it difficult to speak. Also confined to a wheelchair, she relies on a lot of help from others. When her mum ends up in hospital and dad has to go away on a business trip, Harriet and her brother are cared for by her grandmother who she doesn’t really know.

This is a lovely story about Harriet’s developing friendship with some girls at school. The appalling way she is spoken to and treated by others is, sadly, probably an accurate reflection of the way some disabled people are treated. Harriet never asks us to feel sorry for her, simply to understand her.

A brilliant read.

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so so much. And I think it’s gonna be one of the ones that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

As a fellow disabled child/teenager, I related to a lot of the struggles, especially the embarrassment & want for independence but having a body which doesn’t allow it. And the story was just so beautiful too, it was just a really nice read & I enjoyed it a lot. I’ve recommended it to so many people already but honestly I can’t recommend it highly enough!

[Lauren Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming book told from the perspective of 11 year old Harriet who has cerebral palsy, meaning she struggles to talk and has to use a wheelchair. This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and i was hooked on every page, i couldn't put the book down and just wanted to keep reading! This book is great for younger people and adults alike and i 100% recommend it.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my
I had tears in my eyes reading this book
I loved every page

[Rachel Harries · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving insight into how disability can be perceived and the experience of a child with a disability in a mainstream setting.

[Ninaminacat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ode to looking beyond surface differences, to love, to never giving up

This is a beautiful book, full of courage and hope, as well as the pain of being written off and bullied. It explores diversity and acceptance of who any individual is in an engaging way which keeps you turning the pages. (The issues here are being a wheelchair user and finding spoken communication extremely challenging as a result of cerebral palsy, but the book could easily form the basis of more general discussions about diversity.) I think it is unusual in addressing the fact the absolutely any of us can be subject to our own damaging preconceptions and prejudices about others; in "Speechless" even the protagonist herself falls foul of this. As you might expect, given the previous point, the characterisation is excellent and I particularly liked the way that a number of the characters grow as the story progresses. No names mentioned here - you'll have to read the book to find out!

(Inspired by Lucy Mangan's wonderful "Bookworm" periodically I read some children's books published since I was of the target age group, as well as revisiting old childhood favourites. "Speechless" carries such an important message that I wanted to know more.)

[Kirsty Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a compelling read that will keep you glued to every page. An insight to how it feels to have a disability, what people say behind their backs and the looks and comments on a daily basis without a choice of being able to hear them or not.

Remarkable

Nobody should ever be made to feel like they are not enough!

[SereneActuallyReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book needs some recognition and appreciation! I read this in the first half of 2021, and it got off to one of the most life changing years ever. What a great read.

I'll have to admit, I may like Wonder more than this book, but it does not stop being great either way! The author nailed the disability part in the first few pages, and I absolutely adored the main character! Her life and soul is poured onto these pages and that is when Harriet never speaks! (its exclamation mark day)
Overall, a good book and deserves a read from you guys!

[priyamvada tripathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful book, written with the depth of insight and empathy that few achieve, especially on such a complicated topic. The narrative is simple yet absorbing, and even though it is told from the perspective of an eleven year old girl, you get pulled into the everyday situations and conversations that make up her life, because there is a basic level of honesty that the story does not deviate from.

[Effy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of the book is brilliant and I am always excited to read something with more diverse representation however the execution leaves something to be desired. There are a couple of proofing errors which is a shame but my biggest critiques of the book are: the references to technology are painfully dated and the plot is a little thin.

I will start with the plot first. My feeling is that I am perhaps 15 years older than the target audience for this book so that may have an impact. The plot seemed to go at a leisurely pace for 39 chapters of the book before being wrapped up incredibly quickly in the final chapter of the book; functionally this sounds like many authors use an epilogue however the action of the story was not concluded going into the chapter and it reads as though the author ran out of steam. A lot of the plot never gets fully fleshed-out and I wonder if that is due to the intended audience however it feels a little as though the reader is being treated like a baby, unable to handle potentially more "adult themes" - adultery is okay but drug use and preeclampsia (I am guessing as it is never made clear) are not it would seem.

With regards to the technological references being dated, there is a note at the end of the book about the first draft having been written in 2007 with a somewhat patronising tone. Being a first draft implies that there were revisions however this is clearly not the case. This may seem like a nitpicking point however I suspect it might alienate a younger reader to have such implausible references.

A final positive of this book is that it encouraged me to learn about accessible ways of contacting the emergency services and in that way changed my perspective

[Emma Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book. A little too fast - the narrative felt a bit rushed. But heart warming nonetheless.

[Harper 💞 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever book getting into reading and I enjoyed it so much 🫶

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read it as a beta reader. The characterisation is excellent and the real life drama unfolds with such attention to detail that while you read it, you may feel as if you are in Harriet’s mind, empathising with her in every situation. I haven’t read Wonder, but my book club have made trailers about it and I think Speechless is of a similar vein. A book that teaches empathy in a non didactic way, by bringing us into the life of a teen who struggles with identity in a world that judges the external. Harriet has a witty sense of humour, is quietly strong and incredibly brave. I laughed out loud and misted over. Thank you for writing this, Katie! I hope it flies!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell on this book by chance... Like when you hunt through the books in a charity shop in a hurry to find something to read on the train. It's free, I thought so why not.

I am really glad I did. Harriet is inspirational in the way she deals with the trials of life in a wheelchair compounded by a speech problem. I read The Dog That Barked in much the same way and this is just as good.

I hope that we are going to see another instalment of life from Harriet's perspective. I'm sure that she could have many adventures in her future.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but it progresses slowly. This is definitely not appropriate to be read at school below high school, and that is even depending on what your school is comfortable with. There is mention of alcohol and drug use with some characters even being described in drunken and high states as well as mention of affairs within a marriage leading to a pregnancy. I had to pre-read and mark through a lot of things before reading it to my class. The theme of the book is good, and my students did enjoy it.

[Kate Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colleague read this and handed me her copy, telling me I had to read it. She was right - it was compelling and humanizing without being awkward or patronizing. It had a fast-paced, high-interest plot that will engage students and adults alike.
The author is knowledgeable about the subject from her own lived experience, which makes the content feel genuine and reliable. Should definitely be in every middle school library. Appropriate for upper elementary as well -- some allusion to drug use but not explicitly described/stated.

[Ian McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - Cerebral Palsy is a condition that I knew little about & this certainly opened my eyes to the difficulties encountered. I love that we are hearing this story about family struggles from Harriet’s perspective – Harriet is a warm, genuine character that you really feel for and it was lovely to see her relationships develop, particularly with Gloria and Charlotte. A good read

[Leigh Mulloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as I could relate to with a child that I support in my school. I feel it really highlights the fact that some children can be so unkind to children and adults with additional needs, I’ve seen this first hand. It also highlights that you should never underestimate a person with because of their disabilities or abilities. Recommended for secondary school year 7 upwards and adults.

[Donna Metler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult with cerebral palsy, although not to the degree of Hannah, it is rare for me to find a book that reflects the frustration between having a lot to say, but not being able of say it. Speechless does a beautiful job of reflecting Hannah's struggles to communicate and the barriers she faces (I admit to being extremely angry that she made it to age 11 before anyone considered assistive tech!)

This is a beautiful book that is well worth reading.

[Bookgirl888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, what a book! This is so emotional and raw that I couldn't put it down. It deals with the issue of disability in such a sensitive way. She's not a superhero because of her disability, she's a normal child with normal worries and thoughts. Without the person in her life who knows her the best, she has to navigate herself around life. She makes a friend and that was honestly the best part of the book. I just wish there was more of her story! What happened next?

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever, sweet book which not only teaches its reader what it’s like to be disabled (the narrator has cerebral palsy) as a child, in a mainstream school, but also teaches them that ‘disabled’ doesn’t mean inferior, and can often mean very, very brave. One thing I, personally, loved about the book was the use of Charlotte and Juliette - the secondary characters who are different in other ways, but whose compassion and empathy makes them wonderful.

[Rebecca Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put down this heartwarming story!

From the first page, Harriet's story drew me in. She's just the right blend of plucky, smart, and determined to win my heart at once and make me root for her through every chapter. I loved watching her face each new challenge and grow stronger. Well written and perfectly paced, this is an important book that will help children and adults alike have more understanding for those who struggle with disability.

[Wilde Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the prose is not the most engaging for an adult reader, this is a great book for early KS3. Harriet, a Y7 girl with cerebral palsy, tells us how she sees the world and how she processes the barriers and obstacles she comes across. It is an enlightening read and particularly good as it allows a younger audience to learn something about the struggles of their peers.

[Aleksandra Sulikowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, mature, well written, touching. Waiting for more Kate!

Recommended for both young and older readers. This book should be mandatory in schools (if it is not already). Great!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story of this book was great. My only problem was that it ended pretty fast and seemed rushed. I would of liked a few more chapters to get more in depth reasons for parts of the story. But overall a good read.