Speechless

This emotionally raw first novel places eighth grader Jimmy in an impossible situation when his parents force him to eulogize Patrick, a recently deceased cousin he despised. The novel spans the wake and funeral, and titles such as “some people enjoy a wake like it’s a wedding,” introduce the chapters, which include flashback scenes with the volatile and sometimes explosive Patrick, who was Jimmy’s age. The flashbacks vary in pacing and effectiveness; the first, about their seven-year stint in the park district’s Junior Explorers, feels bloated, while others are stronger, especially a description of a Fourth of July party thrown by the formidable Grandma Mutz, during which Patrick attacks Jimmy with little firecrackers and Patrick’s father becomes enraged. Jimmy transcends speechlessness to offer an honest and unvarnished tribute. With dark comedy and raw authenticity, Schmitt captures the awkward moments of the funeral while exploring complicated family dynamics, untreated mental health issues, and family secrets. Ages 9–12. [em](Nov.) [/em]