By Rebecca Henry (author)
"Learning to love and trust in the aftermath of rejection - this resonates with riveting real-life themes"
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August 2021 Debut of the Month
Winner of the Everything with Words’ YA Competition 2019, Rebecca Henry’s The Sound of Everything is an authentically gritty, involving coming-of-age novel that speaks to young people who struggle with feeling unseen, unheard and unloved.
Shipped from foster home to foster home, frequently betrayed, and having “never had a dad that I could call Daddy”, it’s no wonder Kadie (aka Goldilocks) has trust issues. The only thing she’s sure of in this world is music - listening to it, and creating it. It’s the “only thing that keeps my head straight.” To protect herself, she’s set out three rules: “1.
Don’t count on anyone. 2. Act. Always act. 3. Be prepared to lose everything.”
Constantly in trouble at school, though told she has potential, Kadie bonds with a boy called Lips, aka Dayan, the name he reserves for use by special people, of which Kadie is one. Dayan records with his AMD mandem (Amalgamandem) and she’s happy to be invited to hang out with them, while remaining ever-mindful of the fickleness of group dynamics: “one day you’re in the group, the next you’re invisible.” But, just as things start to take an upturn, everything explodes in the aftermath of hideous online trolling and trouble with her foster sister.
What’s unique about this novel is the author’s considered, long-game exposition of Kadie’s complex character - it’s not rushed, not forced too soon to serve the plot. And, true to life, her problems aren’t easily solved either - it really is powerfully authentic all round, from Kadie’s voice and interactions, to its portrayal of mental health problems, among them self-harm.
At times Kadie will have you pulling your hair out at her own-worst-enemy outbursts, but mainly, though, you’ll warm to her. You’ll will her to find her way.
Appropriately enough for a girl named Goldilocks, there is - ultimately - a glint of gold among the grit. I don’t want to spoil it, so let’s just say she finds what might turn out to be her “just right” and begins to learn to open up to people she can trust.
Winner of the Everything with Words’ YA Competition 2019 judged by Patrice Lawrence, The Sound of Everything is a heart-felt coming of age story for all those who struggle to feel like they deserve love.
Read the full description
Betrayal, rejection, violence Kadie has known it all. She’s tough and prepared for everything. Everything except love.
Kadie has has just arrived in yet another foster home. She trusts no one and lives by the rules: don’t count on anyone, always act, be prepared to lose everything. She’s lost everything more times than she can count but then she meets Lips and learns that some things are even more important than survival. But she has secrets of which she must let go if she is to make a stab at friendship and love.
‘Rebecca Henry is a rare precocious talent. She has an incredible ear for dialogue and I’m excited to read what she produces next.’ Alex Wheatle, author of Crongton Knights
‘A stunning new voice. Outstanding, complex writing. So pleased this book is here!’ Patrice Lawrence, author of Orangeboy
‘What a voice! I can’t believe the author is so young and that this is her debut. The writing has such confidence… a remarkably accomplished debut from a truly talented author.’ Jenny Downham, author of Furious Thing
‘Fizzing with energy and purpose, a vibrant new voice in UK YA’ Lisa Williamson, author of The Art of Being Normal
Rebecca Henry is a 22-year-old school librarian from Swindon. Obsessed with words since she was young, she is a proud word nerd and fills her spare time buried in books, writing random stuff, and learning new things. Some of that spare time is also spent on YouTube and accidental procrastination. She has written many things which make her cringe and a few things which she is happy with, but is nonetheless always thinking and imagining. She has no pets because a horse will not fit comfortably in the back garden.
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Winner of the Everything with Words’ YA Competition 2019 judged by Patrice Lawrence, The Sound of Everything is a heart-felt coming of age story for all those who struggle to feel like they deserve love. Betrayal, rejection, violence Kadie has known it all.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Sound of Everything and determined it is suitable for children aged 15-18 years old
The Sound of Everything features in the following genres: Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Gritty Reads, PSHE: Family Issues, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Romance / Relationship Stories, Featured Books for Young Adults
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Sound of Everything was written by Rebecca Henry and published by Everything With Words
The Sound of Everything has 372 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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