Give Me a Sign(84)
Therefore, it’s a point of pride that through everything, Deaf culture exists.
Like Lilah, some of my earliest involvements with the community and ASL came from going to a deaf summer camp. Give Me a Sign is by no means representative of all those with hearing loss, since no single novel could possibly encompass our variety of backgrounds and stories. I simply hope it gives readers a glance into the depth and complexities of Deaf culture, as well as an understanding of why I and so many others are proud to be Deaf.
To all my deaf readers, I hope you know your deaf experience is valid, however you identify or communicate. And if you want ASL to be part of your life, it’s never too late to learn. With all the hurdles we face, it’s no wonder that so many of us struggle to understand our place in this world—but I promise, you belong.
Acknowledgments
Getting these words from my brain to your bookshelf was all made possible by many wonderful people:
My incredible agent, Kari Sutherland, who checked more boxes than I’d thought possible during my representation search. I appreciate your editorial eye and willingness to share personal experiences. Thank you for being such a passionate advocate for my work. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
Of course, my fantastic editor, Polo Orozco. From our very first chat, immediately, your feedback just clicked, and I knew you would truly elevate this story. Thank you for your enthusiasm and brilliant insights.
I’m also so grateful for everyone whose hard work and dedication helped make this the final book you’re reading today: Cindy Howle, Ariela Rudy Zaltzman, Misha Kydd, Laurel Robinson, Kaitlin Yang, Christina Chung, Amy White, Natalie Vielkind, and Elsa Sjunneson. And for all the support from Penguin, especially from Jen Loja, Jen Klonsky, Shanta Newlin, Elyse Marshall, Felicia Frazier, Emily Romero, Christina Colangelo, Alex Garber, Carmela Iaria, Helen Boomer, Kim Ryan, and their teams.
Shout-out to Signed Ink and my fellow Deaf writers and artists—thank you for helping brainstorm signs that would work simultaneously so that both characters could be utilizing ASL on the cover art. （For those of you who are curious, it’s “right!” and “interesting.”） Thanks also to the community within Disabled Kidlit Writers and the encouraging Lillie Lainoff.
Aiden Thomas, thank you so much for seeing the potential in this story. Without your mentorship, this book wouldn’t be where it is today. And thanks to all those who read versions of this draft, especially Briana Miano, Brighton Rose, Gigi Griffis, and AJ Cosgrove.
Rebecca Johns, your class was a turning point in my life. I’m eternally grateful that you showed me I was capable of writing enough words to fill a novel. And to all my professors and classmates at DePaul, thank you for being there at the start of this publishing adventure, especially Ava Tews and Savy Leiser, who read materials, and Jane Fox, who initially sent me down the right path by saying that my concept was “definitely a YA story.”
My Slack’ers, we’ve weathered so much together. I’m eternally grateful for your friendship and support. I don’t know what I’d do without our internet home. And Alexa Landis, thank you for always being a quick message away.
Camp Lions, thanks for many transformative summers and always welcoming my brother and me with open arms. I promise my time there was never quite as eventful as Lilah’s. Ms. Joy and the team at Children’s, thanks for fostering community and making appointments a delight.
To my parents, thanks for all the library trips, the reading aloud, the book-themed twelfth birthday party, and so much more. And to my grandparents, I’m so glad I got to share this accomplishment with you all. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me.
To @Cara.toons, you’re my number one critic. To Mark, thank you for a favorable ranking in your pool-shift reads. To Luke, sorry there are no cryptids—maybe next time!
Mika and Zuko, for always curling up by my side during late-night editing sessions.
Most importantly, Gabe. I couldn’t have anticipated all the impossible hurdles life would throw at me during the journey to this book’s publication. Without you, I never would’ve made it to the finish line. Thank you.
About the Author
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. You can find her at AnnaSortino.com or @AnnaKSortino.