Behind These Hands by Linda Vigen Phillips

But unlike many of the other students who thrived with the learning modifications, Brandon began a slow decline, along with some visual issues and unusual clumsiness. When I was teaching at a small school for children with learning disabilities in Charlotte, a student named Brandon appeared to have the same struggles with reading, math and processing as his classmates. Could you tell us about your inspiration for the novel and about your research process?

Like your first novel, Crazy, you’ve tackled a very difficult topic with a skill and grace. I had the pleasure of talking with Linda Vigen Phillips about Behind These Hands and writing in verse! Welcome to The Winged Pen, Linda! Not only is the story heartfelt but the writing is lovely, fast-paced, and captivating.

My heart is still celebrating Claire’s love for her brothers and her strength in navigating the significant hardship to her family and her personal fears all while dealing with everyday teen problems, successes, and relationship issues. Weeks after reading about it, I’m still thinking about Claire’s family as if they are real: hoping her brothers’ disease progression slows, sending positive vibes to Mom and Dad, wanting to squeeze Claire’s hand and give her a reassuring smile. Kirkus perfectly sums up the effect this book has had on me. In its * starred* review, Kirkus says, “Free verse evokes the myriad emotions brought up by the story’s numerous well-balanced themes. The result is a richly woven, unforgettable symphony of feelings and words.” In Behind These Hands, a teenage piano prodigy’s life is upended when her two younger brothers are diagnosed with Batten, a rare neurodegenerative disease.

Behind These Hands by Linda Vigen Phillips