Blabber Mouth

A nice little book with a positive message, especially when it comes to living with disabilities.

Rowena, or Ro for short, is a mute girl, who lives with her Dad in Australia (her mother died at her birth, her dad is single). They recently moved to a small town and Ro is the new kid at school. Technically her disability doesn't affect her life at all, since she talks in sign language with her dad and writes on paper with others, however, the kids at her new school aren't so happy about it and like to turn her school days into bad memories. And her dad isn't much of a help, as he constantly embarrasses her.

While it may sound like just another school bully story with a protagonist who's disabled, it isn't. Ro knows how to stand up for show more herself, and, other than hiding in a closet, she doesn't let her classmates' comments bring her down.
Even when she was at a "disability conference", she made sure to not let others control her because they think she's helpless; she told them how disabled people are humans as well and should be treated as such. I really liked that little speech, especially when the president got angry.
And she also stood up to her friends' father, when he wanted to cut off the friendship, just because he didn't like Ro's dad and was upset about Ro ruining his "heroism".

It got a bit cliché in the middle, with her dad dating Ro's teacher (plus I didn't ship them), but at least didn't have a cliché ending, so that's good.
And also quite emotional towards the end.

Overall it's nice how the book focuses more on Ro's problem with her dad's embarrassing situations, rather than on her being mute. It's a good message, especially for kids, to show that not all disabled people are helpless and have a completely normal life like any other.

Also, Ro has a funny humour and the writing style is smooth. Enjoyable and recommendable for all ages. show less

BLABBER MOUTH BY MORRIS GLEITZMAN IS A VERY INTERESTING AND INSPIRATIONAL BOOK IT IS ESPECIALLY SUITED FOR CHILDREN BUT OTHER AGES MAY STILL READ IT AS IT HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR AND A GREAT STORYLINE. IT IS A FICTION NOVEL ABOUT HOW EVEN A PERSON THAT CANT TALK CAN STILL EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS AS MUCH AS AN EVERYDAY SPEAKING HUMAN BEING. THIS GIRL LOVES APPLE FRITTERS AND IS VERY SOCIAL EVEN THOUGH SHE CAN NOT TALK. SHE ALSO PROVES THAT THEY CAN ALL BE FRIENDS EVEN WITH BULLIES. IT IS DEFINITELY WORTHWHILE TO READ.