Hurt Go Happy

Reach for this book when your child feels like their potential is being limited by others or when they are struggling to advocate for their own needs. Joey Willis has been deaf since childhood, but her mother's refusal to let her learn sign language has left her isolated in a world of lip-reading and silence. Everything changes when she meets a neighbor and his chimpanzee, Sukari, who teach her that communication is a right, not a privilege. This story explores deep themes of animal welfare, the ethics of scientific research, and the painful but necessary process of standing up to a parent. It is a powerful choice for middle schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who are developing their own moral compass and learning how to use their voice to protect themselves and those who cannot speak for themselves. Parents should note that while the bond with the chimpanzee is heartwarming, the book deals realistically with animal cruelty, making it a poignant and emotionally heavy read.