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Whispers: Extraordinary Book 1
Have you ever overheard whispers about yourself? Imagine if you had learned to depend on your ears and could hear even better than the average person. To begin her series about extraordinary preteens overcoming a variety of challenges, the author shares what it was like coming of age as a totally blind student in West Texas.
For Amber, there almost seems to be a contest at her middle school as to who can be the meanest to her. She has to endure humiliation in the school cafeteria, in choir class, at a school dance, at the mall, and even at a family gathering. And always, there are the relentless whispers.
At long last, after meeting other blind kids and then setting a new and better academic course for herself, Amber—who has renamed herself Cheyenne—finds her way to a much happier environment, one in which she can grow and thrive.
Story Monster approved! Winner of the Pinnacle Achievement and Book Excellence awards! Finalist in the American Book Fest and Wishing Shelf awards!
For Amber, there almost seems to be a contest at her middle school as to who can be the meanest to her. She has to endure humiliation in the school cafeteria, in choir class, at a school dance, at the mall, and even at a family gathering. And always, there are the relentless whispers.
At long last, after meeting other blind kids and then setting a new and better academic course for herself, Amber—who has renamed herself Cheyenne—finds her way to a much happier environment, one in which she can grow and thrive.
Story Monster approved! Winner of the Pinnacle Achievement and Book Excellence awards! Finalist in the American Book Fest and Wishing Shelf awards!
- GenresMiddle Grade
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2022
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 7, 2023
An inspiration!
Such a beautifully crafted story with important lessons for everyone no matter their walk in life. The main character is blind and this book follows her story: her trials and tribulations and her amazing strength throughout. A definite must for anyone trying to educate themselves about the struggles of those differently-abled than themselves.
Such a beautifully crafted story with important lessons for everyone no matter their walk in life. The main character is blind and this book follows her story: her trials and tribulations and her amazing strength throughout. A definite must for anyone trying to educate themselves about the struggles of those differently-abled than themselves.
March 26, 2023
When I saw this was a middle grade Own Voices story about living with a disability, I immediately downloaded it! "Whispers" follows Amber through middle school, an environment that is not kind to her. The teachers don't know how to teach her and the other students bully and ridicule her. I was genuinely so upset for her at what she went through! I think the goal of this book was great, but it fell short in a few places. Some parts were confusing, pacing was uneven and characters not fleshed out. The ending resolution was fantastic though, and I learned a lot about technology use for blind individuals!
March 26, 2023
When I saw this was a middle grade Own Voices story about living with a disability, I immediately downloaded it! "Whispers" follows Amber through middle school, an environment that is not kind to her. The teachers don't know how to teach her and the other students bully and ridicule her. I was genuinely so upset for her at what she went through! I think the goal of this book was great, but it fell short in a few places. Some parts were confusing, pacing was uneven and characters not fleshed out. The ending resolution was fantastic though, and I learned a lot about technology use for blind individuals!
March 27, 2023
Children who can see cannot imagine what it is like when a child cannot see. Instead of approaching this child and trying to understand him/her, they whisper behind his/her back. This is what happens to Amber. After a difficult beginning, however, Amber's —who has renamed herself Cheyenne - life starts to get better and this is the journey the author tells. It is recommended reading for children, so that they understand that because someone is struggling with a difficulty, they are just as much a child as they are, and that they should be helped to make friends, not judged or laughed at. The story can be seen as a lesson, and we hope there will be a sequel. Recommended reading for teenagers, but also for adults.
May 23, 2023
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
5th November 2022
TITLE: Whispers
AUTHOR: Feather Chelle
Star Rating: 4½
“A compelling, coming-of-age story of a blind girl and the hardships and bullying she faced.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must admit, I spend a lot of my time enjoying plot-driven novels, so it was fun to finally get my hands on a book that's not so much focused on story, but on a particular person´s journey. Whispers is the autobiographical account of a blind teenager, chronicling her life in school and the bullying (and whispers) she faced. Simply written, this is a captivating story offering children aged 9 – 12 a thought-provoking insight into what it must be like to grow up with a disability.
Although it´s very sad in parts, and I was often stunned (and angered) by the bullying she faced from her peers, I still very much enjoyed this author´s story. Written in the style of a novel, this short book has so much to offer to young readers. And lessons too! The importance of understanding, of kindness, and how wonderful (and harmful) words can be. It´s not filled with drama as such; there´s no defined beginning, middle and end. The best way of describing this book is a ´journey´. And I must say, I very much enjoyed going along for the ride.
All in all, I´m very happy to recommend this captivating story to 9 – 12 year old children. Also, it would be wonderful in a school library or as a class reader as a catalyst for promoting discussion on disability, bullying, and the power of words.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Whispers
Author: Feather Chelle
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I thought this was a wonderful book. It’s the story of a girl who’s blind and how she finds a happy life. It’s interesting as it’s from the POV of the girl, so I felt I learnt a lot.” Girl, aged 11 – with a little help from her teacher
“A compelling story of a young, blind girl and how she finds the right path for herself. The writing style is light and easy to follow, and never overly descriptive, so it works well for 9 – 12 year olds. This is a superb book to have in a school library or classroom, as it helps children understand how important understanding and kindness is.” Primary school teacher, aged 54
“I liked this book very much. I thought it was very sad in the first half, but the ending is brighter. I felt I learnt a lot about what it’s like to go to school with a disability like being blind, and how important it is to try and understand how the student must feel and try to help them.” Girl, aged 12 – with a little help from her teacher
“I thought Amber was very brave. I enjoyed getting to know her on her journey.” Boy, aged 11 – with a little help from his TA
To Sum It Up:
‘A thought-provoking and often inspiring story of a young, blind girl finding her path in life. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
5th November 2022
TITLE: Whispers
AUTHOR: Feather Chelle
Star Rating: 4½
“A compelling, coming-of-age story of a blind girl and the hardships and bullying she faced.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must admit, I spend a lot of my time enjoying plot-driven novels, so it was fun to finally get my hands on a book that's not so much focused on story, but on a particular person´s journey. Whispers is the autobiographical account of a blind teenager, chronicling her life in school and the bullying (and whispers) she faced. Simply written, this is a captivating story offering children aged 9 – 12 a thought-provoking insight into what it must be like to grow up with a disability.
Although it´s very sad in parts, and I was often stunned (and angered) by the bullying she faced from her peers, I still very much enjoyed this author´s story. Written in the style of a novel, this short book has so much to offer to young readers. And lessons too! The importance of understanding, of kindness, and how wonderful (and harmful) words can be. It´s not filled with drama as such; there´s no defined beginning, middle and end. The best way of describing this book is a ´journey´. And I must say, I very much enjoyed going along for the ride.
All in all, I´m very happy to recommend this captivating story to 9 – 12 year old children. Also, it would be wonderful in a school library or as a class reader as a catalyst for promoting discussion on disability, bullying, and the power of words.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Whispers
Author: Feather Chelle
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I thought this was a wonderful book. It’s the story of a girl who’s blind and how she finds a happy life. It’s interesting as it’s from the POV of the girl, so I felt I learnt a lot.” Girl, aged 11 – with a little help from her teacher
“A compelling story of a young, blind girl and how she finds the right path for herself. The writing style is light and easy to follow, and never overly descriptive, so it works well for 9 – 12 year olds. This is a superb book to have in a school library or classroom, as it helps children understand how important understanding and kindness is.” Primary school teacher, aged 54
“I liked this book very much. I thought it was very sad in the first half, but the ending is brighter. I felt I learnt a lot about what it’s like to go to school with a disability like being blind, and how important it is to try and understand how the student must feel and try to help them.” Girl, aged 12 – with a little help from her teacher
“I thought Amber was very brave. I enjoyed getting to know her on her journey.” Boy, aged 11 – with a little help from his TA
To Sum It Up:
‘A thought-provoking and often inspiring story of a young, blind girl finding her path in life. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
April 11, 2024
Embracing the Light Within Darkness
It’s about Amber Cheyenne Douglass, who likes to be called Cheyenne, is a touching look into the life of a young girl who is blind. This story takes us through her struggles and victories as she tries to find where she fits in the world.
About Cheyenne: Cheyenne is a strong character who grows a lot through the story. At first, she feels left out and different because she can't see, but she learns to stand up for herself and look for a better place where she can be happy and accepted. Her journey from being sad and feeling alone to finding joy and a sense of belonging is something that can touch anyone's heart.
Standing Up for Herself: An important part of the story is when Cheyenne decides she needs to make a change for herself. She tells her school and family that she wants to go to a special school for blind students. This is a big moment because it shows she knows what's best for her and she's not afraid to ask for it.
What We Learn: Cheyenne's story teaches us about never giving up, even when things seem tough. It shows that sometimes, you need to speak up to make your life better. It also tells us that everyone deserves to find a place where they feel welcome and valued for who they are.
Ending Thoughts: This story is not just about a girl who is blind. It's about fighting for a better life, finding where you belong, and being brave. Cheyenne's story might be made up, but her feelings and experiences can teach us all something real about how to treat others and value ourselves.
It’s about Amber Cheyenne Douglass, who likes to be called Cheyenne, is a touching look into the life of a young girl who is blind. This story takes us through her struggles and victories as she tries to find where she fits in the world.
About Cheyenne: Cheyenne is a strong character who grows a lot through the story. At first, she feels left out and different because she can't see, but she learns to stand up for herself and look for a better place where she can be happy and accepted. Her journey from being sad and feeling alone to finding joy and a sense of belonging is something that can touch anyone's heart.
Standing Up for Herself: An important part of the story is when Cheyenne decides she needs to make a change for herself. She tells her school and family that she wants to go to a special school for blind students. This is a big moment because it shows she knows what's best for her and she's not afraid to ask for it.
What We Learn: Cheyenne's story teaches us about never giving up, even when things seem tough. It shows that sometimes, you need to speak up to make your life better. It also tells us that everyone deserves to find a place where they feel welcome and valued for who they are.
Ending Thoughts: This story is not just about a girl who is blind. It's about fighting for a better life, finding where you belong, and being brave. Cheyenne's story might be made up, but her feelings and experiences can teach us all something real about how to treat others and value ourselves.
March 24, 2023
As a summary let me say this is an excellent book which I absolutely had to read in one sitting despite being appalled by the treatment this child was forced to endure.
I never had any children with disabilities in my schools when l was growing up, my friends were regular kids and we know that kids can be cruel. However, I really don't believe I and my friends would have treated any children with disabilities like Amber was treated. And the adults were no better! Thank God Amber knew of an escape clause. I think the school officials worked hard to have her moved as they could close the book on the Amber problem. So the question I throw out is what did the adults at her middle school learn from this experience? How would they treat the next child, blind or otherwise disabled, who comes through the door?
Dealing with people who have issues requires sensitivity which should come from the top down. In this true life story there is no evidence of any such sensitivity.
What I could not understand is why Amber did not tell her family what her daily school experience was like. Her loving Grandmother appeared to be totally unaware though most adults who have a child who loved school and suddenly does not want to go start to look for the answer at the school. So unfortunately I believe there was an internal disconnect that added to the problem.
I would encourage folks to read this book to gain an understanding of how the child in this situation feels and to grow as caregivers , etc.
I never had any children with disabilities in my schools when l was growing up, my friends were regular kids and we know that kids can be cruel. However, I really don't believe I and my friends would have treated any children with disabilities like Amber was treated. And the adults were no better! Thank God Amber knew of an escape clause. I think the school officials worked hard to have her moved as they could close the book on the Amber problem. So the question I throw out is what did the adults at her middle school learn from this experience? How would they treat the next child, blind or otherwise disabled, who comes through the door?
Dealing with people who have issues requires sensitivity which should come from the top down. In this true life story there is no evidence of any such sensitivity.
What I could not understand is why Amber did not tell her family what her daily school experience was like. Her loving Grandmother appeared to be totally unaware though most adults who have a child who loved school and suddenly does not want to go start to look for the answer at the school. So unfortunately I believe there was an internal disconnect that added to the problem.
I would encourage folks to read this book to gain an understanding of how the child in this situation feels and to grow as caregivers , etc.
July 12, 2024
Heartbreakingly real
Cheyenne’s trauma of being bullied in middle school was heartbreakingly real and would trigger many who suffered verbal torment from bullies in their younger days, including me. But those awful girls who took it to the next level, pretending to friend her and then paraded her around, unknowingly dressed and made up like a clown in the middle of the book, brought a tear to my eye. I hope that this was one of those scenes that was adapted for creative purposes by the author and not a real-life experience.
As someone with vision-impaired friends, I can’t imagine anyone being cruel enough to mock and prank them, but clearly, they walk amongst us. I can only imagine the challenges faced by a vision-impaired person trying to integrate into a mainstream school that is ill-equipped to meet their needs with teachers who make decisions that limit their potential and treat them with either impatience or condescendingly.
I want to congratulate the author on sharing this story, which will hopefully highlight the needs of the vision impaired in schools with integration programs. However, I feel schools more adapted to the needs of such children would be preferable, and I was glad Cheyenne stamped her foot and got there in the end.
A great read.
Cheyenne’s trauma of being bullied in middle school was heartbreakingly real and would trigger many who suffered verbal torment from bullies in their younger days, including me. But those awful girls who took it to the next level, pretending to friend her and then paraded her around, unknowingly dressed and made up like a clown in the middle of the book, brought a tear to my eye. I hope that this was one of those scenes that was adapted for creative purposes by the author and not a real-life experience.
As someone with vision-impaired friends, I can’t imagine anyone being cruel enough to mock and prank them, but clearly, they walk amongst us. I can only imagine the challenges faced by a vision-impaired person trying to integrate into a mainstream school that is ill-equipped to meet their needs with teachers who make decisions that limit their potential and treat them with either impatience or condescendingly.
I want to congratulate the author on sharing this story, which will hopefully highlight the needs of the vision impaired in schools with integration programs. However, I feel schools more adapted to the needs of such children would be preferable, and I was glad Cheyenne stamped her foot and got there in the end.
A great read.
February 10, 2023
Light, Warming Read
This was like a big warm hug, in style, substance and plot. Essentially the memoir of a blind girl's school years, Whispers was an easy read with some real heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. Not my usual genre, but I read it in one sitting.
The style fits perfectly; Chelle captures the first person voice of a child brilliantly. I used to be a teacher, and much of this book reminded me of reading pupil's stories about their weekends, holidays, etc. The narrator's voice is endearing, never grating.
On style, I was fascinated by how effective the description was. Without visuals, the style leaned upon a sense of the audio and textural landscapes that form a sightless world. It took me there, and put me right in the narrator's shoes. She really goes through it, man.
It was a short, lovely read and if it sounds like your kind of thing, give it a go. Finishing it felt like somebody had just handed me a big warm mug of tea. Absolutely heartwarming.
This was like a big warm hug, in style, substance and plot. Essentially the memoir of a blind girl's school years, Whispers was an easy read with some real heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. Not my usual genre, but I read it in one sitting.
The style fits perfectly; Chelle captures the first person voice of a child brilliantly. I used to be a teacher, and much of this book reminded me of reading pupil's stories about their weekends, holidays, etc. The narrator's voice is endearing, never grating.
On style, I was fascinated by how effective the description was. Without visuals, the style leaned upon a sense of the audio and textural landscapes that form a sightless world. It took me there, and put me right in the narrator's shoes. She really goes through it, man.
It was a short, lovely read and if it sounds like your kind of thing, give it a go. Finishing it felt like somebody had just handed me a big warm mug of tea. Absolutely heartwarming.
October 7, 2023
This compelling coming-of-age memoir tells the story of Amber Douglass, a twelve-year-old blind girl who is forced to enter public school and is constantly harassed by bullies due to her disability. She can even hear all the terrible things they’re saying about her with her enhanced audio abilities—her superpower. Yet things begin to change for the better when she meets other blind kids and gains the strength and courage to face life’s challenges, leading to a very satisfying and uplifting ending. The book is filled with laughs and tears and is cleverly written in first person present tense, which really drew me in and made me feel like I was part of the action. I actually felt like I was back in sixth grade (not a good feeling). Chelle’s book teaches empathy and compassion and should be mandatory reading for children of all ages.
September 26, 2022
This series chronicles different disability stories of middle grade students (I love this!) The first book is based off the first-hand experiences of the author. Amber is a blind student starting a new school in West Texas. There were excellent descriptions of the tech used for blind students back in the 90’s and I especially liked the way the author conveyed Amber’s anguish and anxiety about attending school when students whispered about her disability in front of her. Some scenes were horrible to read, including the one with the girls at the mall. This is a really good book that highlights the differences of students everywhere and the importance of compassion. 5/5 stars.
January 21, 2023
Whispers (Extraordinary Book 1)
by Feather Chelle
Pub Date 17 Jul 2022
DLD Books
Biographies & Memoirs | Children's Nonfiction | Middle Grade
I am reviewing a copy of Whispers (Extraordinary Book 1) through DLD Books and Netgalley:
Have you ever overheard someone whispering negative things about you?
Now imagine if you had learned to depend on your ears and could hear even better than the average person.
To start her series about extraordinary preteens overcoming a variety of challenges, the author shares what it was like coming of age as a totally blind student in West Texas.
I give Whispers five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Feather Chelle
Pub Date 17 Jul 2022
DLD Books
Biographies & Memoirs | Children's Nonfiction | Middle Grade
I am reviewing a copy of Whispers (Extraordinary Book 1) through DLD Books and Netgalley:
Have you ever overheard someone whispering negative things about you?
Now imagine if you had learned to depend on your ears and could hear even better than the average person.
To start her series about extraordinary preteens overcoming a variety of challenges, the author shares what it was like coming of age as a totally blind student in West Texas.
I give Whispers five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
June 12, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own."
I very much enjoyed Whispers, and I'm looking forward to reading/acquiring any new books from the series..
Going from elementary to middle school is hard enough, but Amber is not only going to a different school as her friends, but she is also blind with 2 prosthetic eyes. I can't imagine being in that scenario, and most kids likely never thought of it.
A wonderful series to open kids (and adults) eyes and hopefully build compassion and understanding that kids with abilities that differ from their are still kids.
I very much enjoyed Whispers, and I'm looking forward to reading/acquiring any new books from the series..
Going from elementary to middle school is hard enough, but Amber is not only going to a different school as her friends, but she is also blind with 2 prosthetic eyes. I can't imagine being in that scenario, and most kids likely never thought of it.
A wonderful series to open kids (and adults) eyes and hopefully build compassion and understanding that kids with abilities that differ from their are still kids.
July 13, 2023
Incredible
I really enjoyed reading this book. Amber is a 12 year old blind girl who has to join mainstream public school in the 6th grade.
In this new world, she really struggles because the kids are mostly mean due to her disability.
This is the author's true story and she openly shares the heartaches that came with this time in her life.
I highly recommend that kids of all walks of life read this book. It will help them to develop compassion and empathy. It will also help kids who feel different realize that they will find the place where they truly fit in, but it might take time.
This is a very heart felt, hard knocks book. 5 stars!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Amber is a 12 year old blind girl who has to join mainstream public school in the 6th grade.
In this new world, she really struggles because the kids are mostly mean due to her disability.
This is the author's true story and she openly shares the heartaches that came with this time in her life.
I highly recommend that kids of all walks of life read this book. It will help them to develop compassion and empathy. It will also help kids who feel different realize that they will find the place where they truly fit in, but it might take time.
This is a very heart felt, hard knocks book. 5 stars!
December 30, 2022
This is the true story of a blind girl growing up in Texas. It covers the hard transition to middle school, when Amber's two closest friends go to a different middle school and she struggles to fit in. It was a very vulnerable story, and it gave me a greater understanding of what it is like to be blind as a child. I think this is a great book for children to learn more about people different from them and the impact that we can have on others in how we treat them and talk about them. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy! I really enjoyed this story.
Read
January 4, 2024A touching story
Cheyenne, who was visually impaired, faced various challenges to fit in the “normal” kids during her middle school days. The peers’ behavior is considered relational bullying and verbal bullying. The sad thing was that even her teachers found it difficult to include her. I think schools are doing much better today with all the anti-bullying movements. However, for some students with mild disabilities, with limited supports and resources for them, I think it’s still a big issue.
Cheyenne, who was visually impaired, faced various challenges to fit in the “normal” kids during her middle school days. The peers’ behavior is considered relational bullying and verbal bullying. The sad thing was that even her teachers found it difficult to include her. I think schools are doing much better today with all the anti-bullying movements. However, for some students with mild disabilities, with limited supports and resources for them, I think it’s still a big issue.
February 22, 2024
Well done!
This story, while heartbreakingly painful, has an important message and an important perspective. For all of the kids who don’t “fit in” and have to weather the trials of middle school and high school, this book them help them to feel “seen” and “heard. One shoe (type of school) does not fit all…and at times I am frustrated by the lack of alternative educational options for those with differences that make it too painful for them to be assimilated. Nice job helping us all to feel what we need to feel.
This story, while heartbreakingly painful, has an important message and an important perspective. For all of the kids who don’t “fit in” and have to weather the trials of middle school and high school, this book them help them to feel “seen” and “heard. One shoe (type of school) does not fit all…and at times I am frustrated by the lack of alternative educational options for those with differences that make it too painful for them to be assimilated. Nice job helping us all to feel what we need to feel.
December 8, 2022
Exceptional
I have tremendously enjoyed reading this book! A story about a blind girl and her struggles to fit as a normal student in her school! The story is so well written and flows beautifully. The story is so touching and so realistic. Every child should read this book to learn the importance of being kind and thoughtful to people with disabilities. Every parent should buy this book to their children to teach them a lesson about respect and kindness, highly recommend!
I have tremendously enjoyed reading this book! A story about a blind girl and her struggles to fit as a normal student in her school! The story is so well written and flows beautifully. The story is so touching and so realistic. Every child should read this book to learn the importance of being kind and thoughtful to people with disabilities. Every parent should buy this book to their children to teach them a lesson about respect and kindness, highly recommend!
April 7, 2023
Well written and great story
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, as it is not something I would usually read. The story is engaging and gives you a deep understanding of what it is like to be blind and the problems that you would face. I found it quite sad in parts, and it has given me a much better appreciation of having my sight and helped me understand blindness so much better. Highly recommend.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, as it is not something I would usually read. The story is engaging and gives you a deep understanding of what it is like to be blind and the problems that you would face. I found it quite sad in parts, and it has given me a much better appreciation of having my sight and helped me understand blindness so much better. Highly recommend.
December 18, 2023
Moving, courageous and inspirational
This was a remarkably candid and courageous novelised auto-biograpical. My partner is visually impaired, so Feather's words and feelings resonated heavily with me. The powerful story moved and shocked me at times and serves as a perfect tool to help others gain some insight into the challenges faced by people with sight loss. Highly recommended.
This was a remarkably candid and courageous novelised auto-biograpical. My partner is visually impaired, so Feather's words and feelings resonated heavily with me. The powerful story moved and shocked me at times and serves as a perfect tool to help others gain some insight into the challenges faced by people with sight loss. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2024
Inspirational!
I really connected with the main character as I was treated similarly throughout my school years. Being with Cheyenne as the unkind whispers become overwhelming emotional pain felt true to life. The inspiration comes when Cheyenne dares to speak up for herself. This book will reassure young readers they can learn the skills to change their lives. Every teacher should also read this book to gain perspective and sensitivity.
I really connected with the main character as I was treated similarly throughout my school years. Being with Cheyenne as the unkind whispers become overwhelming emotional pain felt true to life. The inspiration comes when Cheyenne dares to speak up for herself. This book will reassure young readers they can learn the skills to change their lives. Every teacher should also read this book to gain perspective and sensitivity.
February 2, 2023
Get the tissues ready
Oh my heart....
The first thing I loved about this book, practically, it helped to going insight into what it's like to be without sight.
I found myself inspired by the courage of the main character and all that she went through.
It's a powerful, challenging, sad and joyous read.
If I could give it 6 stars I would.
Oh my heart....
The first thing I loved about this book, practically, it helped to going insight into what it's like to be without sight.
I found myself inspired by the courage of the main character and all that she went through.
It's a powerful, challenging, sad and joyous read.
If I could give it 6 stars I would.
August 1, 2022
As a parent myself, I am delighted that these books exist. It is wonderful to shine a light on all our differences in such a sympathetic, inclusive and entertaining way. Once we understand people who are different from us, we can start to relate and empathize. Thank you.
October 18, 2022
Touching
Very sweet novel about gaining courage and learning to understand our emotions. My only complaint is that the book wasn't super immersive, but it was very sweet and had a lot of great lessons.
Very sweet novel about gaining courage and learning to understand our emotions. My only complaint is that the book wasn't super immersive, but it was very sweet and had a lot of great lessons.
January 11, 2023
Inspiring
Whispers: Extraordinary Book 1 is an engaging portrayal of a young blind girl trying to find her way. It is well-written and speaks volumes about the everyday struggles of people with disabilities. Although most of the story is pretty depressing, the end is uplifting.
Whispers: Extraordinary Book 1 is an engaging portrayal of a young blind girl trying to find her way. It is well-written and speaks volumes about the everyday struggles of people with disabilities. Although most of the story is pretty depressing, the end is uplifting.
February 5, 2023
Nothing wrong with being different!
A beautiful written book about a girl that is blind from childhood cancer. A great read that everyone should read. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this author in the future.
A beautiful written book about a girl that is blind from childhood cancer. A great read that everyone should read. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this author in the future.
February 7, 2023
An absolutely beautiful and inspirational book about the life and challenges of little Amber. This book had me cheering Amber on, sobbing alongside her and at times, angry at the ignorance of others. A beautifully written, thought provoking and emotion fuelled book. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 16, 2022
Fabulous book by a first-time author. The reader is in the protagonist's shoes from the very first. We feel, though can we ever understand?
February 5, 2023
I hate idiots
So many idiots in this story. I’m definitely glad that the main character finally used her voice and found a place where she could thrive. Glad I read this.
So many idiots in this story. I’m definitely glad that the main character finally used her voice and found a place where she could thrive. Glad I read this.
December 31, 2023
3.5- I love middle grade fiction, especially when the protagonist is trying to overcome bullying. I’m sure it’s because I was bullied in elementary and middle school and didn’t have the strength to defend myself verbally (and physically too, but that’s a story for another time). Anyway, this book called out to me and I’m glad it did!
Amber is going into 7th grade and is super excited. She’s always loved school and she has always been accepted by her peers even though she is different. Amber had cancer when she was 3 and while she beat it, she lost her eyes and has been completely blind since. Amber quickly discovers two things are different from elementary school to middle school. Firstly, she has to change classes, which is no easy feat when you don’t have to worry about a cane in addition to your backpack and the crowded hall. Secondly, she is no longer accepted by the other students. While she isn’t able to see them, she can definitely still hear them and all of their whispers about her begin to eat away at her self esteem. Amber needs to figure out how to stand up for herself before she ends up as a 7th grade dropout.
While this is a work of fiction, it’s based on the author’s life. In her note, she explained that while some scenes were dramatized the bulk of the story actually happened.
I commend her for writing a book that brings bullying to light, but I think she should have expanded it to include how Amber learned to stand up for herself. According to the author, she’s hoping to turn this into a series with the other books focusing on children with other disabilities, so hopefully she’ll do that in the other books.
Like I stated earlier, I didn’t know how to use my voice when I was getting bullied and had there been a book in which I identified with and learned from the protagonist, it would have made my subsequent years so much better for me.
Amber is going into 7th grade and is super excited. She’s always loved school and she has always been accepted by her peers even though she is different. Amber had cancer when she was 3 and while she beat it, she lost her eyes and has been completely blind since. Amber quickly discovers two things are different from elementary school to middle school. Firstly, she has to change classes, which is no easy feat when you don’t have to worry about a cane in addition to your backpack and the crowded hall. Secondly, she is no longer accepted by the other students. While she isn’t able to see them, she can definitely still hear them and all of their whispers about her begin to eat away at her self esteem. Amber needs to figure out how to stand up for herself before she ends up as a 7th grade dropout.
While this is a work of fiction, it’s based on the author’s life. In her note, she explained that while some scenes were dramatized the bulk of the story actually happened.
I commend her for writing a book that brings bullying to light, but I think she should have expanded it to include how Amber learned to stand up for herself. According to the author, she’s hoping to turn this into a series with the other books focusing on children with other disabilities, so hopefully she’ll do that in the other books.
Like I stated earlier, I didn’t know how to use my voice when I was getting bullied and had there been a book in which I identified with and learned from the protagonist, it would have made my subsequent years so much better for me.
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