LitPick Review
In Sticks and Stones, we are introduced to Meg, a high school junior who loves basketball and math. After a death in the family, Meg, her mother, and her brother move to a new town. She feels nervous and anxious about starting at a new school where she is the only deaf student. Previously, she attended a small school for the deaf, but the move forces her to adjust to an entirely different environment. As Meg navigates friendships, family dynamics, and the pressures of basketball, she also grapples with questions of identity, acceptance, and finding her voice. Through her journey, she confronts what it truly means to be seen and heard. Can she overcome these obstacles and find her place in this new school?
Opinion:
I really appreciate how this book handles Meg’s deafness with care and sensitivity. The author completely avoided tired stereotypes and instead developed Meg to stand out, making her more than just her disability. I loved that deafness is treated as a culture and a source of pride. Giving the topic that kind of respect is what, I think, makes the book feel relatable to any reader
Communication is at the heart of Sticks and Stones. The story makes it clear that a real connection isn't about everyone hearing the same way; it’s about effort, patience, and mutual understanding. Meg’s experiences as a deaf student really highlight how important it is for people to communicate with intention. When her friends try to sign, make sure she can see their faces, or slow down so she can lip-read, it shows how those small, conscious actions can make someone feel truly included and valued. I think the story sends a strong message that communication isn't just about talking, it's about connecting.
Since the story is told from Meg’s perspective, I felt like I was able to get a real look at what life is like for a deaf teen in a hearing school. This point of view makes the story so much more emotional and personal because we aren't just watching Meg's experiences; we're genuinely living them with her. The author’s choice of viewpoint definitely helps readers build empathy and understand how communication barriers affect Meg every single day.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for some realistic fiction. Whether you're a teen or an adult, it perfectly captures what teenage life is like when you're going through changes and trying to figure out your own identity.
