Speechless

Speechless is a poignant and humorous chapter book about thirteen-year-old Jimmy, who is unexpectedly asked to deliver a eulogy for his recently deceased cousin, Patrick. Jimmy's memories of Patrick are largely negative, filled with mischief and destruction, making the task feel impossible. The story follows Jimmy as he navigates the awkward social dynamics of the wake, sifting through his memories and feelings about his cousin and family secrets. It's a candid exploration of grief, complicated family relationships, and the challenge of looking beyond surface impressions to find deeper understanding and empathy. This book is ideal for readers aged 9-13, offering a thoughtful and relatable perspective on loss and personal growth.

How do you give a eulogy when you can’t think of one good thing to say? A poignant, funny, and candid look at grief, family secrets, difficult people, and learning to look behind the facade. As if being stuffed into last year’s dress pants at his cousin’s wake weren’t uncomfortable enough, thirteen-year-old Jimmy has just learned from his mother that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. Why him? What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? He can’t recall one birthday party, family gathering, or school event with Patrick that didn’t result in injury or destruction. As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and a good deal of angst while racking his brain and his memory for a decent and meaningful memory to share. But it’s not until faced with a microphone that the realization finally hits him: it’s not the words that are spoken that matter the most, but those that are truly heard.