The Sound of Silence: Growing Up Hearing with Deaf Parents

Gr 3-6--Uhlberg was the eldest child born to two Deaf parents in 1933. Sign language was his first language, but he quickly learned spoken English. From a very early age, he was expected to interpret for his parents as they navigated life in Brooklyn. At this time, Deaf people were often considered unintelligent, and Uhlberg witnessed many instances of cruelty directed towards his parents. When Uhlberg was nine, his younger brother developed epilepsy. Not only did Uhlberg have to act as an interpreter during medical appointments, but he was required to look out for his brother and be alert when he had nightly seizures. Uhlberg's tale of growing up is interesting and accessible. He offers a window into what life was like for the Deaf community. One memorable chapter describes Ulhberg's visit to the printing press floor of the Daily News where his father had a union job (a job where being Deaf was considered an advantage because the thunderous noise of the presses was not a distraction). Another chapter paints a vivid picture of the weekly gathering of Deaf families from all over New York City on the beach in Coney Island during the summer. The parents (up to 100 at times) would sign to one another as their children played. VERDICT This young reader adaptation of Uhlberg's Hands of My Father is a heartwarming coming-of-age memoir as well as a poignant meditation on the beauty of language (both spoken and signed), and the importance of communication.--Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn