Jacobs, Evan. Screaming Quietly.

Jacobs, Evan.  Screaming Quietly.  Saddleback  2013  212p     ISBN 978-1-62250-003-1        ms/hs     Paperback   VG  Realistic fiction

Ian Taylor is a popular football player, dating a hot cheerleader in high school.  However, his home life is far from the perfect life he portrays at school.  He lives with his mother and autistic brother Davey.  As Davey grows older and becomes bigger, Ian is often forced to watch over him or intervene when Davey becomes agitated.  Ian’s father resides in another town and is less involved with Davey, as he is not sure how to interact with him.

This short novel depicts the successful life of a popular high school boy who has a secret life at home until his home nightmare is merged with his high school persona.  Understandably, Ian tries to ignore his brother and his infringement on Ian’s turf.  When recognition becomes inevitable, everything changes.

Evan Jacobs has carefully yet engagingly told the story of a young man’s trepidation to reveal his autistic brother’s existence and the guilt and rationalization that comes with his decisions.  This fast-paced novel evokes empathy in the reader for both Davey and Ian.  It is recommended for any middle- or high-school library, and it will be especially appreciated by those with siblings or friends with disabilities. 

Summary: Ian Taylor lives a secret home life with his autistic brother, and he is forced to expose this life when his brother begins to attend the same high school as Ian. 

Autism-Fiction                                              --Virginia McGarvey