The second book in this series follows 2022’s DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? You don’t need to have read the first story to enjoy this new one as details as to what happened are scattered throughout the plot. Still though, you will likely be searching for that first book if CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR appeals to you. Here’s what to expect…
Thirteen-year old Noah survived a tragic car accident that left him deaf. He wears an experimental cochlear implant that restored his hearing. You might not know that over 65,000 children in the United States have a cochlear implant, and 2-3 children out of every 1,000 born here has some form of hearing loss.
Noah’s implant does quite a bit more than help his hearing. He can hear people’s thoughts when it is turned on. In the first book he was recruited by the government for a top-secret mission. Lena, a slow to like character who also has physical challenges of her own, was also recruited.
In CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR, they have been under a lot of pressure participating in these missions. Their bosses reward them with a stay at Space Camp in Alabama with other kids across the nation. It starts out to be fun participating in the activities and finding new friends. Not so much after Noah begins to suspect not all is right when he overhears a man’s thoughts about stealing top secret plans from the close-by Redstone Arsenal.
The third person narration takes readers through 36 chapters. The relationship between Noah and Lena is the best part of the story. She is highly intelligent, loves computer science, and has a near perfect memory. Lena is also quick to point out Noah’s weaknesses and doesn’t like to be the target of jokes. Despite their disagreements, the two really care about each other and readers will see a gentler side of Lena.
The real life scenario of protecting the kids from any harm is carried out here. They are away from the action as the adults take over and keep them informed about the bad guys. I kept expecting Noah and Lena to get more involved rather than be on the sidelines. Despite that, the suspense of what is going to happen carries itself right to the last page. There’s even a hint this series might continue with a book 3.
CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR has great success showcasing friendship between characters with disabilities and makes for a fun read.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 18, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 214
About the author
Helen Dunlap Newton, a veteran middle grade language arts teacher, has been a serious writer for children since she became involved in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her debut middle grade novel, NIGHT OF THE AMBER MOON, was published in 2021 by Yorkshire Publishing and was a 2022 finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award. The novel received the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award from Delta Kappa Gamma in 2023. Her second middle grade novel was published by Yorkshire Publishing in 2022 and was also a finalist in the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for their plants, backyard chickens, and rowdy Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
(Be sure to visit the author’s website)
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Always in the Middle... 
Sounds a great story! 🙂 Thanks for sharing
This sounds so good! I’m always happy to see books about kids with disability where it’s just part of life and an asset. Your description reminds me a little of Sekret by Lindsey Smith, which I loved.