In this haunting, layered mystery, Branwell Zamborska is struck mute after his baby sister is injured while he and the au pair are in the house. Only his best friend Connor is able to communicate with Branwell to try to unravel what really happened -- both on that fateful day, and in the weeks leading up to it. Connor feels Branwell is innocent, but until Branwell decides to speak, nothing can be proven.

I read this on a plane and it kept me turning pages. Great cover, great dialogue, and excellent characterization. A good portrait of blended families; I love the relationship between Connor and his older half-sister, Margaret. Connor's independence and resourcefulness, as well as his humanity (he always tries to be completely honest about his feelings, even when they aren't pretty) will appeal to middle-school and high-school readers. Would be interesting paired with Speak by Anderson...