International Rights

Speechless

  • ISBN 9781443142670, Paperback
  • 0 Pages | Ages 9 to 12

Jelly is as surprised as anyone when he decides that he’s going to win the annual sixth grade speech contest.



Just like that, Joe Alton Miles, better known as Jelly (because his initials are J.A.M. and his best friend’s are P.B.), is faced with overcoming not only his terror of being in the spotlight, but also the wrath of smart, popular Victoria, who believes that the prize (like all prizes) is rightfully hers. At first, Jelly only cares about winning the awesome prize (a new tablet), but as Victoria escalates her campaign against him, Jelly begins to realize that it’s not only the prize that’s at stake, but also his reputation, his self-respect and the friendship he values most. Jelly must dig deep inside himself to find out if he’s strong enough to stand up to Victoria and show everyone what he’s really capable of.



Hilariously funny and just as poignant, Speechless is about finding out who your friends are, giving back, standing up to bullying and finding your own unique voice.

Rights Sold

  • English (Australia/NZ)
  • English (US book clubs)
  • English (UK)
  • Macedonian
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Turkish

Selling Points

• Themes of social consciousness, bullying and friendship are deftly blended
• Authentic dialogue that reflects what’s important to kids at this age level
• Characters are unique and the plot twists are unexpected
• Laugh-out-loud funny!

Awards

  • Winner, Surrey Schools' Book of the Year, 2017
  • Short-listed, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, 2017
  • Short-listed, Red Cedar Award (BC Young Readers' Choice), 2017
  • Short-listed, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, Sundogs, 2017
  • Short-listed, Langley Schools Book of the Year, 2016
  • Short-listed, Diamond Willow Award (Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice), 2016
  • Short-listed, OLA Silver Birch Award, Fiction, 2016
  • Short-listed, IODE Canada Violet Downey Award, 2016
  • Short-listed, CBC Best Books of the Year, 2015
  • Commended, TD Summer Reading Club, 2017
  • Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Selection, 2017
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2016
  • Commended, Resource Links, Best of the Year, 2016
  • Commended, OLA Best Bets, 2015