I Go Quiet; David Ouimet

I totally related to this book and wish it had been around when I was a child. As a child I couldn’t think of anything worse than having to present in-front of the class. This anxiety is still with me today. I get very anxious when speaking to a group of adults which is something I find difficult to understand as I’m a primary school teacher and love teaching. There is something innately different about talking to group of children and speaking to a group of adults.

Surrounded by a noisy world, a young girl is too timid and small to make a sound. She is filled with worry about how she should sound and how she should look when she speaks so she finds it easier to stay silent. In her silence she finds comfort in books. Books transport her to a world which she feels a part of. And when her time comes to be heard, her voice will be clear and true.

Whilst the book is beautifully illustrated, I found many of the images to be creepy and haunting although I think that is part of its power. The images are striking and represent a society where everyone is expected to fit in whilst the main protagonist is an outcast and is trying to understand her place in the world. The text is limited and is poetic and poignant.

This book immediately makes you feel less alone and is essential for any child who struggles to find their voice.

Recommended for 10+.