Hardcover: 314 pages
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (October 1, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1944109366
ISBN-13: 978-1944109363
Recommended for the INDIE NEXT LIST“… suspense and intrigue … Melody’s story is grim, but hope is weaved in throughout … highly emotional.” ―School Library Journal“Gardner tackles difficult topics, including bullying and abuse of all types, in a way that is both artistic, respectful … [and] masterfully written.” ―BookTrib“… a touching tribute to the power of love, faith and steadfast, patient kindness to heal the damage done by human cruelty and thoughtlessness.” ―IndieReader Approved“… a very powerful novel that depicts the cruelty and injustice of the world while also highlighting the ever-present beauty that few see when struggling with dark issues. The book displays the power that love and music have even in the darkest of times. Gardner does an excellent job of portraying a teenage worldview while focusing on adult concepts.” ―US Review of Books“There are too many Melody Fisher’s in our homes and schools who lock themselves away in a world where they are both desperate to be heard and afraid to speak up … Speak No Evil is their story. A brilliant and novel approach to addressing important social issues.” ―Viga Boland, Author of No Tears for my Father“WOW! Just WOW! Gardner is a great author telling a story of death, sorrow, and so much more. You will fall in love with Melody … You will feel her sorrow … You will feel her shame … you will feel everything with this character. A MUST read that will make you sit and think well after you turned the last page.” ―Bookworm Tri-Cities, Bookstore“… alternately beautiful and troubling–and a totally compelling read … Gardner’s characters are finely drawn and credible, and her plot is so relevant considering the thousands of children lost in the foster care system and at the mercy of those charged to care for them.” ―Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite“… Melody’s silence signifies the way some women feel about sharing their stories with other people, and how difficult it is to overcome the desire to retreat. I urge others to read it; the story of Melody and her bravery will speak to you and stay with you for quite some time.” ―Tracy Young, Bulgarian Review“Any victim of abuse, or those who blame themselves for events out of their control, needs to read this novel … This book should be in every school library and youth centre. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” ~Lesley Jones, UK authorbly with Noah’s grief, and readers will appreciate his return to the field.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
TRUTH IS THE HARBINGER OF HELL
What if every time you told the truth, evil followed?
My name is Melody Fisher. My daddy was a snake handler in Appalachia until Mama died. Though years have passed, I can still hear the rattle before the strike that took her from me.
And it’s all my fault.
Since then, I’ve been passed around from foster home to foster home. I didn’t think anything could be as bad as losing Mama.
I was wrong.
But I will not speak of things people have done to me. Every time I do, worse evil follows. Now, the only thing I trust is what saved me years ago. Back when I would sing the snakes calm …
Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabeseries. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go.
She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits.
Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.”
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