The Raging Quiet

Reach for this book when your teen feels isolated because they see the world differently than those around them, or when they are struggling with the social cost of standing up for what is right. Set in a vividly rendered medieval village, the story follows Marnie, a young widow who risks everything to protect a local boy named Raver. While the village sees a demon-possessed madman, Marnie recognizes that Raver is simply deaf, and she begins to invent a visual language to communicate with him. This deeply moving historical novel explores the intersection of disability, religious fervor, and the courage it takes to be an ally. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers due to themes of grief, physical abuse, and the historical reality of witch trials. Parents will appreciate the book's profound message about the dignity of every human being and the power of communication to bridge the widest gaps.