First published 2004
Megan stands at Cindy's doorstep on Morton Street, ready to welcome her new neighbor with lightning-fast sign language and boundless energy. Her voice sounds different to others, but her personality shines brighter than any welcome committee. The two girls quickly become best friends as Megan shows Cindy her world of online chats and hand signs. Yet Cindy discovers that helping her fiercely independent friend often backfires, leaving Megan defensive and their friendship on uncertain ground. At summer camp, they bunk together in Hot Pink Cabin, where Lizzie, another deaf girl, captures much of Megan's attention. When Megan decides to prove her self-reliance by venturing alone into the woods at night, she gets lost until Cindy tracks her down. This rescue frustrates Megan even more. The girls return home barely speaking to each other. Only then does Megan understand that everyone needs help sometimes, no matter who they are.
Genres: family-life, friendship, contemporary, adolescence, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, self-reliance
Setting: Hot Pink Cabin, Morton Street
200 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers