Stolen Voices

by Ellen Dee Davidson

Life in Noveskina is designed to be harmonious and conflict-free. But Miri has matured with no obvious Talent and thus faces life among the voiceless lower-class. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 189707316X
• ISBN13: 9781897073162
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Lobster Press
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 11 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 6 to 10

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Every 15-year-old in the walled city of Noveskina is about to take part in Demonstration Day...except Miri. Unlike Eris, with the power to fly, and her best friend, Jalene, who can tell the most incredible stories, Miri has not developed a Talent. Jalene swears that their friendship will not change on the day of their Masking, when they will officially become adults of Noveskina and bonded with the rest of their age-mates, but Miri isn't so sure. If she doesn't find her Talent, she will be doomed to a life in the lower classes, bringing shame on her family of Important Officials. In this city, where voices are regulated by the Mask you wear, she may lose all privilege to speak her mind. As Masking Day arrives and Miri still has not found her Talent, her parents force their decision on her, but Miri is determined to keep her friendships alive. When she witnesses parts of a secret ritual, Miri finds herself on the run, expelled from the life she knew and the people she loves. Suddenly, more is on her shoulders than her place in society, while she discovers much more about her world than she was ever allowed to know. I loved the imagery throughout this book, and was entranced with the workings of Miri's world. Throughout it all, Miri's trials are sure to resonant with most anyone who has every struggled to live up to their promised potential. This story breathes with a rich harmony that leaves the reader captivated up until the last page. Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

Perfect For Use in a Classroom

Stolen Voices written by Ellen Dee Davidson is an excellent book for young adults. I read this book not knowing what to expect and a little skeptical, but ended up really enjoying it. I am planning on using this book in my classroom one day in either a literature class or a writing class. I would highly recommend this book to other teachers because it addresses pertinent young adult issues in a very creative and different way. Young adults are very interested in themselves and finding out who they really are, what talents and strengths they have that make them unique. They want to separate themselves from others, especially their parents, using their own voice. Having friends and what they think is the be-all end-all in their lives. Learning how they are going to contribute to the adult community and transition to that new world is a pressing matter they are trying to deal with, among other things. These are the issues that Stolen Voices addresses. This book is perfect to use in a writing class when you're teaching the students about finding their own voice in their writing, which goes along with finding their own voice in their daily lives, not just on paper. I really liked that Davidson used a fantasy kind of setting to write about very real matters; that contrast was something that helps draw readers in. It also makes discussing these things easier because they aren't hitting so close to home, which allows students to more honestly respond to them.

My Favorite Book

Miri's treacherous journey is sure to wrap you into the pages of worry, fear, excitement, victory, and the miraculous beauty of music! I've read the book five times, and If I read it again, I still wouldn't be at all bored. Read it. You'll see what I mean! Sonia Copple, age 8

My daughter loved it!

My daugher adored this book! She couldn't put it down, and in fact missed out on some full nights of sleep since she stayed up so late reading it. She has also read and loved "When the Third Moon Wanes" by the same author, and was disappointed when I told her Ms. Davidson didn't have any other books published at this point. A terrific book for preteen and teenage girls!

Great Heorine!

I picked this book up because of the cover, but ended up really liking the story!!! Miri has to find out what her talent is before she can finish her school year, if she can't figure it out she will wont be linked with all her friends!!! My favorite character is Melody, because not only does she help Miri escape from the evil Masker, but she also knows how to play lots of instruments. She kinda reminds me of Hermione Granger from Harry Potter! The story is exciting and there are a lot of funny bits! You should definitely read this!!