It is a story that will hopefully foster empathy and maybe even communication with our 'quiet' peers. After Zeroreminds us of so many loved ones of those suffering from anxiety or depressive disorders. 'This tender and truthful book stays with you long after the words have gone.'-Patricia Forde, author of The List Then, the discovery of a shocking family secret helps Elise realize that her silence might just be the key to unlocking everything she's ever hoped for.Ī 2019 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts (NCTE) Zero means no wrong answers called out in class, no secrets accidentally spilled, no conversations to agonize over at night when sleep isfar away.īut now months have passed, and Elise isn't sure she could speak even if she wanted to-not to keep her only friend, Mel, from drifting further away-or to ask if anyone else has seen her English teacher's stuffed raven come to life. Her silence becomes such a big part of her that she can’t seem to talk anymore at all, which causes problems for her friendships and family.

Elise carries a notebook full of tallies, each page marking a day spent at her new public school, each stroke of her pencil marking a word spoken. Only then will she find out the real story about Gladder Hill.Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 to 7Įlise carries a notebook full of tallies, each page marking a day spent at her new public school, each stroke of her pencil marking a word spoken. After Zero by Christina Collins Summary: Elise is attending public school for the first time ever, but after a series of mistakes, she decides it’s best if she just doesn’t talk at all. This award winning book offers kids an authentic depiction of selective mutism and a story of the experience of middle school interactions and mental illness. When Zailey suddenly finds herself beyond the gates of her town, she has a chance to see if what she’s been taught about the outside world is true and search for the mother she barely remembers. Most of all, she wonders what it’s like to see herself―her own face. Yet she can’t help but think those thoughts, and be curious about the outside world where she once lived, years ago. She knows her superficial thoughts are wrong, and her sketchbook, filled with secret portraits of her classmates and neighbors, could get her in trouble. You’re not supposed to even think about what other people look like, or what you look like. Nobody talks about anyone else’s appearance. In the special community of Gladder Hill, cameras and mirrors are forbidden: it’s why everyone’s happier here. She’s never seen her reflection, or a photo of herself, or even a drawing.