Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on November 6th 2018
ISBN: 1536200921
Pages: 304
Goodreads

8th-grader Jimmy has been tasked with giving the eulogy for his cousin Patrick. While trying desperately to avoid people at Patrick’s wake, Jimmy alternatively whines to his parents about his task and tries to write something nice he can say about Patrick. The problem is that Patrick was not a nice person — he was always wild, hurting someone, ruining family get togethers, taking risks, and erupting in major temper tantrums. Patrick’s mother leaned on her twin, Jimmy’s mom, for support while Patrick’s dad had his own anger management issues and drank perhaps a little too much. In each chapter, Jimmy learns a life lesson, e.g., “some people enjoy a wake like it’s a wedding,” and Schmitt weaves a page-turning story about Patrick. At the end of his journey, Jimmy figures out what to do at the funeral. This is a searingly beautiful, yet painful  — and occasionally humorous — exploration of family.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

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