Sample Segment of the Book
I could feel her behind me. I knew she was there, but I didn't dare turn around. A book I read about sailing ships said that the lookout man sometimes couldn't see through the fog, but he could tell they were getting close to an iceberg when the air would turn cold. The air turned cold when Miz Ort came near, too. Most kids said they could hear the boards in the floor creak when she walked on them, but I couldn't. She didn't walk much at all, though. She just sat there in her big old chair--except on Fridays and Wednesdays when she gave the spelling test.
From Miz Ort's Test

This is essentially a memoir told in a series of short stories based on real events. The viewpoint of the author is that of a nearly deaf youngster growing up in poverty. At times it reads like a continuation of Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, but with a far more positive message and even a bit of humor at times. Throughout the story there are messages, some openly stated and others subtly hidden. The somewhat stealthy themes are an attempt to give the reader an awareness of the way the world works for the severely hearing impaired person with an overactive mind. The unexpected discovery of these traits often make for some difficult situations, but sometimes they are the basis for important mentoring relationships. But even the worst of times are usually met with calm perseverance or a miable attitude, but on some occasions an act of vengeance that can make bad times seem better.

Teachers, counselors and even their students will find something of importance in this book, as will senior citizens looking for nostalgic moments to savor. This book may also serve as social history of the times it covers.