Deer Run Home

About this book

* “Quietly extraordinary.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “Elegantly weaves a heartbreaking story with hope.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Through Effie, young readers both deaf and hearing will encounter a heartfelt homecoming story, and reassurance that they are not alone.” —The New York Times

Effie and her older sister, Deja, have recently moved into their father’s trailer after an incident at their mom’s house. Daddy communicates with Effie by pointing, stomping on the floor, and making thoughtless jokes. Even if they did understand each other, could she tell the terrible secret she carries when telling feels impossible—and dangerous?

But what if telling is the only way to be seen?

This tender, spare, emotionally charged story about the impact of abuse and the power of love explores what it feels like to be an outsider in your own family and to awaken—through friendship, writing, and kinship with the natural world—to a new understanding and appreciation of yourself.

Reviews

Praise for Deer Run Home:

* “This poignant and compelling book is meant for anyone, yet it is accessible to kids who, like Effie, struggle with reading. . . Quietly extraordinary.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “This novel in verse blends ASL grammar with English, infuses appalling circumstances with poetry, and elegantly weaves a heartbreaking story with hope. . . The themes of found family, abuse, neglect, conservation, friendship, independence, and self-worth are faced head-on, with grace and dignity. Readers of all ages will cry with Effie as she struggles to be heard and celebrate each victory as she learns how to make the world around her understand what she deserves. Highly recommended for purchase in all collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Using vivid and minimalist verse, LeZotte unflinchingly and sympathetically uncovers Effie's family history of neglect and abuse, shedding light on an issue that often stays in the dark.” —Publishers Weekly

“A devastating but hopeful middle-grade novel-in-verse. . . Deer Run Home is a heartrending novel that deals with the pain and trauma of child sexual abuse and neglect yet remains encouraging in its exploration of resiliency, advocating for oneself, and self-worth. LeZotte deftly contrasts the neglect and abuse Effie experiences at home with the support and compassion she receives at school. . . A moving, emotionally affecting novel.” —Shelf Awareness

"This verse novel captures Effie’s voice clearly, in large part because of ASL’s grammar rules, with poems that vary in tone from conversational to staccato, depending on Effie’s emotional state (“No / one here speaks / my language . . . ”). Poverty’s effect on children is unflinchingly catalogued . . . The story’s tone is more hope than tragic, though, never glossing over the very real abuse but still offering a path toward healing . . . An author’s note provides more information about the d/Deaf community." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, recommended

“This unique story, told in verse, will break your heart and then make it whole again. I loved this book.” —Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7s

“Effie’s courage and sense of humor shine through in this powerful story of found family, friendship, and finding one’s voice.” —Kate Messner, award-winning author of Chirp and Breakout

“Ann Clare LeZotte is such a talent and deserves to be widely read!” —Lisa Yee, author of the Newbery Honor book and National Book Award Finalist Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

“Rarely does a work of fiction capture the experience or mindset of a child who is deaf and has experienced abuse. Deer Run Home is an important work at a key time in deaf education, when language deprivation is getting more attention. This work could help students, educators, and parents think about the implications of children growing up in homes or schools where language isn’t emphasized.” —Michelle Niehaus, LCSW, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Provider