Hear Me
Age 10+
General Fiction
A sensitive and authentic portrayal of a girl experiencing progressive hearing loss, written by an author with progressive hearing loss
One year after being diagnosed with hearing loss, Rayne's hearing keeps getting worse, even with aids. It's a struggle to maintain friendships and keep up in school, surfing is now a wipeout, and she can't understand her favorite singer's lyrics. But worst of all, Rayne's parents are pushing for her to get cochlear implants, a surgery Rayne's not convinced is worth the risks and challenges.
Rayne begs her parents to consider other options, but they're not budging. With the surgery looming, Rayne sets off on a bus journey in search of alternatives—and discovers that even though her ears may be broken, she is not.
Creators
Kerry O'Malley Cerra is the author of the award-winning middle-grade novel Just a Drop of Water. She holds a degree in social science education and currently works as a high school media specialist. She lives in Florida with her family and two poorly behaved rescue dogs.
Reviews
Hear Me is a thoughtful and empowering story about standing up and speaking out even when no one will listen. I’ll be thinking about Rayne long after closing the book.
Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale
Hear Me is a brave and important book. Rayne’s story will open hearts and minds, and give young readers courage and hope.
Jarrett Lerner, author of the EngiNerds
Asterisks replace unheard words of dialogue in this moving middle grade novel, based on the author’s own life, that follows an adolescent girl’s struggle with both progressive hearing loss and her parents’ insistence that she get cochlear implants.
The New York Times Book Review
