Theo, a senior in high school, dreams of going to MIT to study mathematics, but he knows it's a dream that will never happen. As the only hearing member of his family, Theo feels tied to his deaf parents and little brother. His mother, a famous sculptor named Palma, depends on Theo to be her interpreter with the hearing world; she treats Theo like a servant who is always on call. He doesn't see how he can escape from it, though --- how could his family get along without him?

Then Ivy arrives at Theo's school. She has a deaf parent, too, but she doesn't seem to resent it the way Theo does. She tells him that he can't let his family's deafness interfere with the life he should be making for himself. Theo doesn't think she really understands his problem, but he starts filling out college applications, and he starts hoping. Then tragedy happens. Palma feels totally helpless, and as a result, Theo has to take over the family completely.

Is there a happy ending for Theo? Read this very realistic and heart-wrenching book to find out.

--- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

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