By Annabel Pitcher (author)
Paperback Temporarily Out Of Stock £9.99 £8.99
View All Editions (3)
“Words scare me, the lies and the truth, so I decided to stop using them,” so declares Tess, the troubled heroine of this remarkable novel about alienation, family conflict, the often cruel dynamics of school and, ultimately, the struggle to find one’s place.
Everything changes for Tess when she uncovers an earthshattering family secret. With her whole life pulled apart and seemingly founded on a lie, Tess makes a stand by retreating into selective mutism, thus the voice she’s always used to please others is transformed into a form of rebellion. In place of conversing with people, Tess communicates with the fish-shaped torch she bought when planning to run away.
But while Tess withdraws into herself, the outside world becomes increasingly hostile. Always inimitable and never confined by convention or recourse to cliché, Annabel Pitcher’s protagonists are consistently created with insight and honesty, warts and all, and Silence is Goldfish is an unforgettable novel.
Silence is Goldfish is a story that demands to be heard. 'I have a voice but it isn't mine. It used to say things so I'd fit in - to please my parents, to please my teachers. It used to tell the universe I was something I wasn't. It lied.'
Read the full description
Fifteen-year-old Tess doesn't mean to become mute. At first, she's just too shocked to speak. And who wouldn't be? Discovering your whole life has been a lie because your dad isn't your real father is a pretty big deal. Tess sets out to find the truth of her identity, and uncovers a secret that could ruin multiple lives. But can she ask for help when she's forgotten how to use her voice?
This is the third YA novel from the bestselling and prizewinning author of My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece and Ketchup Clouds .
This amazing story is very well written and easy to read, as always! As with Ketchup Clouds, I would recommend this book to teenagers from about the age of fourteen who are just beginning to experience love, betrayal, recklessness and loneliness. The book immediately feels like a Pitcher novel and her beautiful writing style is what really makes it enjoyable. GUARDIAN CHILDREN'S BOOKS
This novel is both heart-breaking and hilarious. Tess is a fabulous protagonist, a strong, outgoing girl who tries her hardest to please those around her, yet one who deals with daily bullying on account of her size and unconventional looks. Her journey of self-discovery is incredibly difficult and you cannot help but cheer her on every step of the way. It is exceptionally well written and an absolute joy to read. BOOK TRUST
Strong in substance and originality, Pitcher continues to bring boldness and uniqueness to YA WE LOVE THIS BOOK
More sad, funny and relatable family dynamic storytelling from Annabel Pitcher THE BOOKBAG
Annabel Pitcher studied English at Oxford and has since worked as a script writer and an English teacher. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband. She won a Betty Trask award for her first novel My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece .
Children's Books about Selective Mutism
the best books for teenagers
Protest - Plays for Young People
Silence is Goldfish is a story that demands to be heard. 'I have a voice but it isn't mine.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Silence is Goldfish and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-18 years old
Silence is Goldfish features in the following genres: Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Recommendations, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, PSHE: Self-Awareness, Self-Esteem and Wellbeing, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults
Paperback, Hardback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. Temporarily Out Of Stock.
Silence is Goldfish was written by Annabel Pitcher and published by Indigo (an Imprint of Orion Children's) an imprint of Hachette Children's Group
Silence is Goldfish has 365 pages
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. Temporarily Out Of Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.