You’re Welcome, Universe

Gardner’s debut novel opens with high school junior Julia Prasad getting expelled from the Kingston School from the Deaf after getting caught spray-painting an elaborate graffiti mural on the building. Julia, who is deaf herself, struggles to let people in and is suspicious of everyone around her, instead devoting her time and attention to her art, specifically the graffiti she paints on whatever public space she can get away with. Gardner’s glimpse into the world of a deaf teenager is fresh and compelling. Julia’s drawings pepper the story, the images representing her graffiti (which feature her tag, “HERE”) and the ASL signs she teaches a new friend, whom she nicknames YP (for Yoga Pants). Julia’s willingness to trust YP unfolds little by little, hitting bumps major and minor, in a satisfying story about trust, forgiveness, hard work, and friendship. Less central but equally rewarding is Julia’s relationship with her mothers, both of whom are deaf, and who do their best to support their daughter at every turn. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada U.S. (Mar.)