Give me a Sign

Jenny Han meets CODA in this big-hearted YA debut about first love and Deaf pride at a summer camp.

Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that’s what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes—when you don’t feel “deaf enough” to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world’s expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change.

When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts but not rules, a YouTuber who’s just a bit desperate for clout, the campers Lilah’s responsible for (and overwhelmed by)—and then there’s Isaac, the dreamy Deaf counselor who volunteers to help Lilah with her signing.

Romance was never on the agenda, and Lilah’s not positive Isaac likes her that way. But all signs seem to point to love. Unless she’s reading them wrong? One thing’s for sure: Lilah wanted change, and things here . . . they're certainly different than what she’s used to.

Anna Sortino is a young adult author who writes stories about disabled characters living their lives and falling in love. She’s Deaf and passionate about diverse representation in media. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Anna has since lived in different cities from coast to coast, spending her free time exploring nature with her dog or reading on the couch with her cat. Give Me a Sign is her debut novel

"Give Me a Sign is a charming story about fitting in, finding your community, and falling in love at summer camp. This heartwarming debut is a beautifully nuanced representation of Deaf culture and what it means to find your voice in a society that doesn’t want to listen. —Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys

"A book that proves love is a universal language and acceptance often comes from the inside out. This story is both fun and thought-provoking, both light and heartfelt. It is definitely a new favorite.” —Kasie West, author of Sunkissed and The Fill-In Boyfriend

★ "Sortino celebrates Deaf culture and identity in this endearingly funny slow-burn rom-com debut . . . . Sortino highlights a variety of Deaf experiences, exploring the community’s pride and culture, as well as the trauma some Deaf individuals face in interactions with strangers and loved ones alike." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A heartwarming and tender coming-of-age story that brilliantly explores what it means to fully lean in to who you are. Full of romance, friendships and nostalgia, this book will make you want to relive your best high school summers." —Claire Ahn, author of I Guess I Live Here Now