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WHITNEY GARDNER played her ukulele in an episode of Portlandia, danced the rumba with Bill Nye the Science Guy in a New York swing-dance club, and experimented with LARPing in college. She lives with her husband, Roger, and their incredibly cool pugs, Gouda and Fig, in Portland, Oregon. Find her online at heywhitney.com and follow her at @HeyWhitney.
The perspective of a strong-willed, deaf protagonist is unique, enlightening, and a great addition to young adult collections. --VOYA, Starred Review [A] spectacular debut...a moving, beautifully written contemporary novel full of quirky art and complicated friendships...this book is a gift to be thankful for.--BookRiot Julia...is a Deaf teen girl who is creative, artistic, and passionate. She can be sulky and vengeful when she feels she has been wronged, but she is also caring and fiercely loyal to the few that she considers friends. And she is an authentic portrayal of deafness.--DisabilityInKidLit.com Fresh and compelling...a satisfying story about trust, forgiveness, hard work, and friendship.--Publishers Weekly Julia's strong voice and multifaceted background offer an eye-catching glimpse of graffiti culture while introducing deaf culture.--Kirkus This debut novel is a dive into self-discovery for Julia and a compelling, engaging read for a wide variety of teens, including those interested in graffiti and street art. [A] well-told, artsy coming-of-age tale that is also an excellent representation of a Deaf protagonist.--School Library Journal Gardner brings together Deaf culture, discrimination, sexuality, friendship, body image, trust, betrayal, and even a potential Banksy spotting for this fresh novel, brightened by black-and-white illustrations from Julia's notebooks.--Booklist The Deaf details are enveloping and credible without being forced, and Julia's artistry will make readers itch to get their fingers on a can of spray paint.--The Bulletin
