The Quiet You Carry
Victoria Parker knew her dad’s behavior toward her was a little unusual, but she convinced herself everything was fine—until she found herself locked out of the house at 3:00 a.m., surrounded by flashing police lights. Now, dumped into a crowded, chaotic foster home, Victoria has to tiptoe around her domineering foster mother, get through senior year at a new school, and somehow salvage her college dreams . . . all while keeping her past hidden. But some secrets won’t stay buried—especially when unwanted memories make Victoria freeze up at random moments and nightmares disrupt her sleep. Even worse, she can’t stop worrying about her stepsister Sarah, left behind with her father. All she wants is to move forward, but how do you focus on the future when the past won’t leave you alone?
Discussion Guide for Teachers & Librarians
Sexual abuse, mental illness, suicide, and other similar topics, unfortunately, touch the lives of teens all around the country in every single demographic. Barthelmess’s book provides students, teachers, and community leaders with an authentic way to engage in discussion on these important topics.
Reviews for The Quiet You Carry
“A positive addition to the sparse YA literature on foster care. This hard-to-put-down novel takes on grim topics unflinchingly but also gives readers hope that honesty and kindness will prevail.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“The Quiet You Carry is a spellbinding novel that shines a light on the often difficult experiences of foster care, sexual assault, and the desire for freedom. Barthelmess crafts a stunning story of one girl’s fight against a system and a father, and her triumphant resilience in the face of trauma.”
- Mark Oshiro, author of Anger Is A Gift
“As beautiful as it is heartbreaking, The Quiet You Carry isn’t just about the secret pain we hold inside, but the redemptive power of letting it go. This book will haunt you just as much as it will inspire.”
– Eric Smith, author of The Girl & the Grove
“A raw, unflinching work of fiction that delves into the world of foster care.”
— School Library Journal
“A thought-provoking story about abuse and the importance of speaking out.”
– Foreword Reviews
“This work of fiction, born of a searing moment in the lives of too many young girls, will get under your skin. Barthelmess’ story arrives right on time with a character who is trembling, yet defiant. Her message: Quiet no more.”
— Nikki Grimes, 2017 Winner of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award and author of the bestselling Bronx Masquerade