Deer Run Home

by Ann Clare LeZotte

Effie is Deaf, and no one in her family speaks sign language, her language. This heart-filled story of survival and found family is inspired by a true court case.

Effie and her older sister, Deja, have recently moved into their father's trailer after an incident at their mom's house. Daddy communicates with Effie by pointing, stomping on the floor, and making thoughtless jokes. Even if they could understand each other, could Effie tell the terrible secret she carries when telling feels impossible-and dangerous?

But what if telling is the only way to be seen?

Tender, spare, and emotionally charged, Deer Run Home explores what it feels like to be a stranger in your own family and to awaken-through friendship, poetry, and kinship with the natural world-to a new understanding of yourself.

Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Novel In Verse, Realistic Fiction, Disability, Abuse, Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Deaf--bilingual, bicultural. Author of T4: A Novel in Verse (Houghton, 2008) and Show Me a Sign (Scholatic, 2020). Library Youth Services for 11 years and counting. Focus on underserved populations and inclusion. Lives with her family in Gainesville, Florida.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easy to read, but packed a hell of punch. CW: parental neglect, abandonment, ableism, sexual abuse mentioned briefly.

What Worked: Deer Run Home was an unexpected read, a thoughtful read about the impact of parental neglect/abandonment. LeZotte took this theme/realization one step further and explored the impact of parental neglect on disabled children. Main character Effie and her sister live with their father who refuses to learn sign language. As a result, he is both unable and unwilling to communicate with Effie who is deaf. The emotional and mental toll this takes on Effie is unimaginable. Not only does she have to adjust to a school where accommodations are lacking, but she must consistently return to a home where a parent refuses to speak her language. LeZotte did an amazing job creating a balance in this story. While the struggles Effie faces are clearly defined and discussed on page, there is a great support network through side characters that not only support Effie in her search for understanding, but they also show her compassion, love, and friendship that can sometimes only be found through found family. There are so many great themes and topics explored in this book that really tugged at my heart. Though I wasn't expecting such a complex story, I'm glad that I took the chance to pick it up.

[Courtney Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful
Story
But
Hard
So
So
Hard

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving middle grade novel in verse about a young deaf girl whose parents emotionally abuse and neglect her by not trying to communicate her in a way she can understand and the teacher who helps her escape a toxic situation. Heartfelt with great disability rep, this is a sadly a story that happens all too often in real life. Highly recommended and great on audio with an important author's note included at the end!

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful middle grade verse novel about a Deaf tween, neglect, abuse, and the power of language and finding the helpers around us.

Source: school library hardcover

[Kathy MacMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous story, told through spare and powerful imagery. LeZotte brings the stark realities of language deprivation—a common experience for many deaf children in hearing families—to light through Effie’s sensitive and observant perspective. And she makes one thing clear: kids dealing with a world that refuses to communicate with them are no less smart, capable, or empathetic than their peers with full language access. The author shows how COVID-19 only exacerbated the effects of the hearing world’s indifference. A standout image: Effie and her mom go to the school to pick up printed worksheets, to find the packet out of order and riddled with blank pages: “Mom yelled at a woman/in the office who was watching/us from behind a window, but/she just went back to typing.” LeZotte is extraordinary at using the rhythms of American Sign Language, Effie’s native language, to create striking imagery in this English language verse novel. And lest readers think the lack of access to information that Effie experiences are exaggerated: as a longtime counselor and director at a Deaf Camp, I nodded in recognition when Miss Kathy, the one adult who could communicate with Effie, had to explain to her the order of shampoo and conditioner, and when it was revealed that Miss Kathy, not her parents, had had to explain about menstruation. Been there. I hope that readers will learn from this story about the extraordinary resilience of deaf kids—and how much of the burden of communication they are unfairly forced to take on by the apathetic hearing world. And I hope hearing readers will question why the judge clearly sees the physical neglect that Effie experiences from her parents, and whether her case would even have made it to court if her physical needs were met but still not the need for communication access.

[Robyn Chua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deer Run Home is a quiet, lyrical meditation on home, memory, and the natural world. The writing is gentle and evocative, but what truly stands out is the beautiful format: thoughtful typography, airy layout, and visual details that turn reading into a tactile, almost meditative experience.

I read it in one sitting and it stirred a multitude of emotions in me and brought a deep sense of self-awareness, reminding me that even my smallest actions carry weight, whether I notice them or not.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read anything Ann Clare LeZotte writes; this one is a modern story. Her Martha's Vineyard trilogy left me feeling so educated as a reader. I'm not obtuse to what it's like for deaf children to be born to hearing parents who don't desire to learn sign language. This book, written in verse gave me Matilda vibes (minus the magic).

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and moving story! Effie is an inspiring MC and I loved her relationship with Miss Kathy and her new friend Cait, in particular. I think verse style was the perfect format for this book and it really showed how Effie is slowly getting stronger by standing up for herself and being her best advocate throughout the story. While the book ends with the hope that Effie can now heal, I do wish more was shown with her and Miss Kathy and what path she decided to go down in regard to her future. I also loved the deer aspect and how it connected with Effie. And I appreciated the author’s note explaining how this book was based off a real case in the 90s and how every child deserves to have a home where they are safe, loved, heard and seen.

3.5 stars

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This novel in verse blends ASL grammar with English, infuses appalling circumstances with poetry, and elegantly weaves a heartbreaking story with hope." [School Library Journal]

[Susan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stop thinking about Effie! She's a character who will nest right inside a reader's heart and stay there for quite a long while.
LOVE that this story is written in verse, especially given that Effie finally feels free to write her own poetry, an important part of this important story. My middle-grade readers are heavily requesting novels written in verse along with graphic novels at the moment.
This is one of those stories that feels like it has a whole new beginning at the end.

Listen to my review @Wonder World Book Cafe
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

[Gary Anderson]

Deer Run Home is Ann Clare LeZotte’s middle grade verse novel based on the true story of a Deaf girl adopted by the educator who discovered that she was living in a state of neglect. Effie is a Deaf child sent to live with her alcoholic father after her mother and stepfather give up on raising her. Although Effie uses very little oral language, she is fluent in American Sign Language. Unfortunately, both of her parents refuse to learn ASL and actually make fun of how Effie uses language. A caring teacher, however, sees poetry in how Effie constructs ASL communication and encourages her to continue developing her poetic abilities. Effie’s ASL interpreter realizes the extent of the neglect in Effie’s home life and takes steps to gain custody of her. Author Ann Clare LeZotte, herself Deaf and an advocate for the Deaf community, blends elements of ASL learning and common family dynamics experienced by Deaf children into a moving story that will appeal to young readers who are fans of Wonder, Insignificant Events in the Life of Cactus, Out of My Mind, or verse novels like Safe Harbor, The Haunting of Lake Lucy, and Love That Dog.

[Carli · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this quick, hard-hitting novel in verse. Effie is deaf, born into a family where everyone else is hearing. Her parents never learned ASL, so she has suffered through language deprivation and other abuses throughout her life. It takes an interpreter who sees her and goes to court for custody for her to see how she could actually live. Hand to fans of Benefits of Being an Octopus, The War That Saved My Life, and Shark Teeth.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and emotional read, told in verse, about a Deaf child and beautifully portrays the journey of Effie both finding her voice and finding a loving home.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MG novel in verse by @annclarelezotte that will both break and then heal readers.
🦌
Effie is Deaf and she and her big sister, Deja, have been sent to live with their alcoholic, abusive and neglectful father after Effie’s stepdad did something unforgivable to her. Now Effie lives in a trailer with rotting trash, little to no food, and wears the same clothes day after day. No one speaks ASL at home so Effie is ostracized most of the time without a way to communicate with her family. When Effie’s ASL interpreter realizes things aren’t right at home, she petitions the court for custody of Effie. Through the court process we see how bad things have been for Effie in her life.
🦌
So powerful. This upper middle grade book will promote empathy and allow students to find their own voices, if facing similar situations in their home life. This novel deals with themes such as friendship, promoting healthy relationships, family dynamics, and learning to speak up for yourself. It would be a great real aloud for 5th-9th classrooms. Be sure to read the Author’s Note for info on the book’s inspiration. Thanks @scholastic for the ARC. This title releases October 1!

CW: neglect, sexual abuse, alcoholism, domestic abuse, child abuse, physical assault, animal death, adoption, family court, ableism, emotional abuse, COVID

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann is such a sweet soul, and that shines through so much in Effie.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Clare LeZotte (Show Me a Sign trilogy) continues to represent the d/Deaf community in this NIV directed to the 4th-7th grade audience. Effie is Deaf, has some oral speech but is most comfortable using American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. Sadly, her divorced parents, step-father and sister do not find it important enough to learn how to converse, know Effie leaving her feeling quite isolated. Compounding this feeling of being all alone, she is now back to living with her father and sister in his aging mobile home and suffering from other types of neglect-food insecurity and lack of basic clothing and hygiene items. The one light in Effie’s life is her school ASL interpreter who can talk with her in the language of her heart, who helps her find a way to learn difficult math concepts using tactile strategies she understands, and who sees her misery, loneliness and physical needs. Coupled with new friend Cait, who also seems to understand how important it is for Effie to talk with her hands and is learning ASL, Effie begins to realize that she needs more and Kathy decides to sue for permanent custody.

The extra emotional punch that the NIV format can bring absolutely contributes to the depth of feeling that comes will reading Effie’s story. Readers will yearn for someone in her family to take the time to listen to her in the way she communicates best. And when it is revealed that Effie and her sister were sent back to their dad’s home was because the step dad molested Effie, those readers will be fired up, knowing that she needs to be with Kathy. Supporting character Cait has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and has no trouble sticking up for Effie, but has a bit of trouble saying what she needs to when her school assistant hovers too much.

Highly recommended and with the NIV format and only 207 pages, will be accessible to a wide range of readers.

Thanks for the print arc, Scholastic.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Wow - that cover art is compelling - how does it work into the story?
Deaf girl and older sister coming out of pandemic to go to school again in person
No one in family uses/know asl
Used to live with mom & stepdad, now with dad in trailer, a bit neglected
Her school interpreter wants to do home visit but Effie doesn’t want her to
Worried about the deer not being safe but it could be allegory for her life
“We (Effie and cait) need to be seen and heard for who we are. I want to believe Miss Kathy can care about me no matter what. Or else I’m lost.”
Similar signs like rhyming words - didn’t know that
Deer on playground - worried he didn’t get to safety and got run over
Like deer golden eyes, being out in the open makes bad things happen, better to hide and cling to the little patch you have left
Miss Kathy gives her hope for first time
All children deserve safety and love
Remember the love
Speaking up it’s important in any language
“We need the deer, and every gentle creature whose home is broken.”
Great author, note and insight into the deaf community

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about survival, resilience, friendship, and poetry inspired by a true court case. Effie, who is deaf, and her sister are now living with dad after mom got tired of Effie’s problems. Living at dad’s is not easy because he points at things and stomps having never learned ASL, drinks, and there is hardly any food. Effie is afraid to tell her ASL interpreter, Miss Kathy. Effie makes a new friend Cait who has CP and is in a wheelchair. Miss Kathy seems to know things aren’t right at home and dad allows her to stay with Miss Kathy for the month. Effie is thrilled. When Effie finds out Miss Kathy wants full custody she is worried her dad won’t allow it. What happens now?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about finding a place to belong in a world that doesn't understand you.
Effie comes from a family where she isn't tested well and no one tries to learn ASL to communicate with her. Her sister Deja is the only one who really makes the effort to communicate with her. She is finally removed from her home situation into Miss Kathy's home who knows she deserves love and a place to feel wanted.
This is a beautiful novel in verse about letting your past off your chest to make way for a brighter future.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fairly quick read...but it packs a powerful punch and is not for the faint of heart. It's written in a way that's still accessible and appropriate for the intended audience...but reading it as an adult you just KNOW what is happening before Effie can explain it to the safe adults in her life and it's so hard to read from that perspective. While this is fiction...I KNOW this is a reality for SO many children. I'd recommend checking trigger warnings if you have any but this was very well done with great disability rep and I would absolutely recommend it if the subject matter is something you can read about.

[Paula Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book that deals with disabilities, neglect, abuse, caring, and compassion. Written about and for a younger audience, it hits some hard topics without being graphic. Good read for middle school all the way up.

[Wendy Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking novel in free verse that depicts emotional and physical abuse suffered by those that may not be able to defend themselves. The idea for this novel is based on a real court case. I was shocked to learn that three out of four hearing parents of a deaf child do not use sign language at home. Also a disabled child is three times more likely to be abused. A good choice to add diversity to a middle grade library. Note: sexual abuse is mentioned but it is not graphic.

[Flannery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to take the kids I was nannying to the Smurf movie today so I took them to the library before so I could get a book to read instead of having to watch it (it wasn't so bad of a movie, the animation was decent but the story was dumb).
Anyway, this book turned out to be way sadder than I thought it would be.
But good.
Very good.

Update: During this past week I've had two authors like my reviews of their books and I am walking on air. Kind of need that dopamine boost, because this nanny job is super hard.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this middle grade novel in verse. It’s short, but powerful. Helped me think about how much we need to communicate. To be heard in our OWN language. Also loved how observant people make a difference. I appreciated the authors note at the end.

Content: sexual abuse

[Bethany W · Rating 5 out of 5]

that was rough, but a necessary story to be shared

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

For a short book, it really packs a punch.

[Meliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet and powerful and heartwarming. It got me misty eyed.

[Ashley Love Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come. An ARC read. Audiobook less than 2 hours. Book written in verse.
…………

[Renee Priddis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade novel in verse about a girl who is deaf whose family chooses not to learn ASL and who suffers neglect and abuse until her ASL school interpreter shows her love and friendship.

“I want to prove
I can do both.
I feel free to try
New things.
I don’t have to hide
To survive anymore.”