War of the Wind

March 1, 2024
Grades 6-8 A deaf teenager faces more than personal issues when the construction of three windmills is followed by a rash of sudden, violent mood swings in his Scottish island community. Though already subject to mood swings stemming from a loss of hearing in a boat accident that has left him struggling to learn sign language and prone to wild bursts of rage, Max sees worrisome behavioral changes in everyone--except classmate Erin, who was born without hearing. Meanwhile, mysterious goings-on involve the windmills, military troops, and a secretive scientist named Dr. Ashwood. Are the islanders being subjected to a sinister experiment using sound waves? Williamson gives her wounded, angry protagonist a trio of uncommon allies in Erin and two other Zoomers: Beanie, who has Down syndrome, and near-total paraplegic David. The author not only tracks Max's struggles to communicate with his family and others in a sensitive, credible way but realistically portrays all the young characters here as more than their disabilities. Readers will be equally enthralled by the cast and the creepy premise.

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March 1, 2024
An accident aboard his dad's fishing boat causes a Scottish boy to become deaf. Two years after the accident, 14-year-old Max is still coping with this change. He's frustrated with his family (which includes a new baby), his old gang of bullies, the challenge of learning sign language, and integrating with his new classmates. Having previously scorned kids like Erin, who was born deaf, Beanie, who has Down syndrome, and David, who uses a wheelchair, he has difficulty accepting their friendship and recognizing their intelligence. In exchange for permitting wind turbines, the residents of his small island, which was previously too remote for internet access, are promised smartphones and the latest technology. But, unbeknownst to anyone, a scientist is using the turbines to run wicked experiments, causing sleeplessness and outbreaks of aggression among the local population. Max and his new friends must work together and use their abilities to save the island. Max ultimately grows in his relationships and works to engage his former friends, showing them that differences can be positive. This contemporary techno-thriller is absorbing, tautly written, and frighteningly realistic. Dialogue in British Sign Language is distinguished through the use of a different font in all caps. Realistically portraying kids' cruelty and the protagonist's own self-doubts, this novel will encourage readers to think about their own actions. An intriguing mystery combined with an emotional story of challenges and successes. (British and American Sign Language alphabets, map, glossary) (Mystery. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2024

Gr 5 Up-Fourteen-year-old Max lost his hearing because of a boating accident and has spent two years trying to adjust. Scragness Island, a small fishing community off the coast of Scotland, has few educational supports, and Max resents small group learning where he is surrounded by students he disparagingly terms "zoomers." However, the government is installing new wind turbines that promise broadband access and free cell phones to all residents. Max is hopeful, since a promised speech-to-text app will finally allow him to reconnect with friends and family who struggle to communicate through sign language. Once the wind turbines come online, however, strange things begin happening: birds disappear, animals exhibit unexpected aggressiveness, and people become irritable and out of sorts. Only Max and Erin, who is also deaf, seem to be immune. Enlisting the help of fellow classmates Beanie and David, they ultimately unravel a mystery that involves subliminal waves and mind control. While this dark twist becomes the main story, Max learns the importance of disregarding labels and challenging his preconceived biases. Beanie has Down syndrome, and David uses a wheelchair and they, along with Erin, are key in thwarting the government experiment. Sign language is represented using capital letters, and effectively highlights the daily communication barriers Max faces. Characters default to white, and a helpful glossary of Scottish phrases is included. VERDICT An interesting book that shows character growth and some unexpected twists; recommended for fans of Carl Hiaasen or Gordon Korman.-Michael Van Wambeke

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