Some voices don't need words
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DJ doesn’t use words to speak. He doesn’t use hands to sign. But he has plenty to say.
DJ is a fifth grader with opinions about his grandpa’s stories, about marmalade, and about people who speak about him instead of to him. He says all of it with his face, his eyes, the sounds he makes, and recorded plastic buttons that talk when he presses them. His family reads him easily. His friend Harper is sure she knows what he wants, but being sure is not the same as saying it out loud.
On a Wednesday, he hears the choir through an open door, and he wants in. Getting into the room turns out to be the easy part. Figuring out what DJ will do in the choir is the hard part. The fall festival concert is two weeks away, and DJ wants something more than a little bell.
A realistic story about music, belonging, and what it takes to understand a person who never says a word out loud.
DJ’s Voice tells an authentic, empowering story about a boy who communicates without speech: the daily work of being understood, the people who get it right, and what changes when people listen with their eyes and their heart. Filled with music, family, and friendship, this book shows every kid that a voice and words are not the same thing.
Perfect for readers ages 8–13, classrooms, book clubs, and anyone who has more to say than most people hear.
Reading Level: Grade 4 | Interest Level: Grades 3–8 | Genre: Realistic Fiction
What readers are saying
“This book gives a voice to kids who communicate in nonstandard ways. It also gives encouragement to classroom allies to find their own way to communicate with kids like DJ.” —Beth L., Educational Audiologist
“Communication occurs on many levels and in many forms. If you’re lucky enough to meet someone like DJ, they’ll teach you more about yourself than you thought possible.” —Coleen W., Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“This is a wonderful book about inclusion, belonging, and recognizing that there are many different ways for people to communicate and express themselves. DJ’s story reminds us that everyone has something to say and that, with understanding and the right supports, everyone deserves the opportunity to participate and be heard.” —Reanne P., Educational Audiologist, Person with Hearing Loss
“You are going to love this book! Every school has their own DJ, Harper, Owen, Ms. Tara, Mr. Russo, and Ms. Park. This story is realistic fiction, but it so accurately captures the amazing outcomes that can emerge when students, parents, and teachers work and learn collaboratively to truly be ‘Better Together.’” —Andrea A., Parent of a Child with Hearing Loss
“DJ’s Voice is a beautiful story of how integral communication is for the human experience and how many different ways we can hear and be heard.” —Emily T., Person with Hearing Loss
“Everyone has a voice that yearns to be heard and understood by others. This story really helps in understanding that kiddos have so much to say and they want to belong. It is up to us to listen.” —Jolene T., Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“You really got into DJ’s head and made the reader feel what he was feeling. I wish I could have read this book when I was starting to work in special ed!” —Kathleen T., Speech & Language Pathologist, Person with Hearing Loss
“This book provides an accurate portrayal of the importance of true inclusion, presuming competence in nonverbal individuals, and showing value for their opinions, interests, wants, and needs.” —Emily H., K–2 Autism Support Teacher
“It’s a good representation of how hearing devices help to amplify sound, but we still have to pick out words and sounds. I think hearing people think that hearing aids make hearing perfect once we put them on.” —Julia W., Person with Hearing Loss
“It reminds us how much we can learn from one another when we truly listen—to children who share their ideas through words and to those who communicate through their actions, expressions, and presence.” —Jackie Z-K., Speech & Language Pathologist
“This book is an easy, engaging read for any age and an entry into someone else’s world that from the outside seems so hard and different but comes down to universal truths: We all just want to be heard and understood and have support and love.” —Rachel T., Person with Hearing Loss
“An excellent read for anyone working with someone with a disability, and for having their voice heard.” —Tammy N., School Nurse for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, Parent of a Child with Hearing Loss
“If you are the parent of a child with physical or communication challenges, I urge you to read this book. You will enter a world where the educators on the team work tirelessly to ensure the emphasis is on what can be done, rather than what can’t be done.” —Ronnie K., Speech & Language Pathologist, Person with Hearing Loss
“This is a wonderful story about a young boy with cochlear implants who uses a wheelchair and makes himself understood through his actions and vocalizations. Through his inner thoughts and not through spoken words, he achieves his special goal with support from his family, teachers, and friends.” —Wendy V., Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
