I Have No Secrets

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Pub Date Jun 29 2017 | Archive Date Jun 19 2017

Description

Jemma has a terrible secret that's eating her up: there's been a murder and she knows who did it. She knows because he told her. And she can't tell anyone.

Fourteen-year-old Jemma has severe cerebral palsy. Unable to communicate or move, she relies on her family and carer for everything. She has a sharp brain and inquisitive nature, and knows all sorts of things about everyone. But when she is confronted with this terrible secret, she is utterly powerless to do anything. Though that might be about to change...

A page-turning thriller seen through the eyes of a unique narrator, this is a truly original, heart-rending  and compulsive book for young adult readers. Perfect for fans of Wonder, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and Looking for JJ.  

Penny Joelson was born in London where she still lives with her husband and two children. She has worked with disabled people since she was a teenager, which gave her inspiration for this novel and its insights.

Find Penny on Twitter: @pennyjoelson 

Jemma has a terrible secret that's eating her up: there's been a murder and she knows who did it. She knows because he told her. And she can't tell anyone.

Fourteen-year-old Jemma has severe...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781405286152
PRICE CA$15.95 (CAD)
PAGES 336

Average rating from 1 member


Featured Reviews

Jemma is a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. She can't speak or move her body to communicate. She was put up for adoption and has lived with her family since she was 2 years old. They also have two foster kids, Olivia and Finn. Sarah is Jemma's support worker who lives with them. Since Jemma can't speak, people tell her their secrets because they assume she can't hear as well. But Jemma knows everything that's happening. She even knows more than most people because she knows their secrets. Sarah's boyfriend, Dan, tells Jemma he will never get caught for a crime, implying that he murdered her neighbour. So when Sarah disappears, Jemma is very worried that Dan has done something to her. Though Jemma knows the answers to these problems, she struggles with her silence.

This is the first novel I've read that is narrated by a person with a severe disability. I was so frustrated for Jemma at the beginning since she knew things but she couldn't express them. I struggled along with Jemma through the mystery of Sarah's disappearance.

Though Jemma lives in a foster home with two other kids, it isn't the stereotypical foster home that is in many YA novels. Usually foster kids in YA novels are abandoned or run away. Jemma's family is very caring to her and the other children, and they accommodate their special needs.

I enjoyed this unique, diverse book. I hope more stories about characters with limited abilities come out in the future.

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