All the truth that's in me by Julie Berry

HarperCollins, 2013. ISBN 9780732298067.
(Age: Older teens) All the truth that's in me is a poetic and thrilling fiction book. This novel teaches the reader that overcoming difficulties and obstacles is not unmanageable. The impossible can become possible if hope is kept alive. This also shows that people are more than skin deep when unexpected friendships occur in unexpected circumstances and with unexpected people. This novel is set in the early history of America close after a war for its independence.
Judith Finch was a sweet young girl who had a few friends but none closer to her than her best friend Lottie (Charlotte), when both girls go missing mysteriously in the middle of the night, their small town is in an uproar and search parties flood the surrounding landscapes for months. After a short time, the body of Lottie is found in the river and two years later, Judith returns as a mute. Over time Judith becomes considered and shunned a witch when she talks and is sentenced to silence for fear that she bring shame to her family. Her life-long object of affection, Lucas, is to be wed to a life-long acquaintance and this news drives Judith a little further into her solitary world. Until news of ships come from the ocean patrollers and the small town prepares for an invasion. Judith must choose between going back to her tormenter to get aid before her townspeople die, or stay silent and continue attempting to live in a life almost not worth living.  
This novel is written in such a poetic style that is unusual and catches the reader's eye and communicates the story just as well, if not better than any other novel that is aimed at the target audience of older teens. Overall, this novel has a certain hooking quality that keeps readers attached and needing to find out the answers to its well-kept mystery.
Sarah Filkin (Student)