Give Me a Sign

Seventeen-year-old 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. She longs for a place where she truly belongs.  

The summer before her senior year, Lilah becomes a counselor at Camp Gray Wolf, a summer camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, as well as those who are blind or have low vision. She hopes to connect with deaf culture. While at camp, Lilah navigates friendships, her first real romance, and camp traditions, all while gaining a deeper understanding of her own identity. What begins as an ordinary summer turns into a transformative experience that pushes Lilah to embrace her identity and claim her place in the world.  

Give Me a Sign unfolds over one summer. Lilah starts as a counselor-in-training, which allows her to slowly learn more sign language, build friendships, and fall in love. One of the strongest elements of the novel is its representation of deaf culture, as Lilah learns more ASL and discovers how empowering it can be to be in a community that understands her. Lilah makes several self-discoveries as she faces microaggressions, doubts, and the fear of not being good enough. Her journey will be relatable for readers who struggle with identity or the feeling of being out of place.  

At camp, Lilah meets other deaf and hard-of-hearing counselors who help her explore what identity and belonging really mean. The most important among them is Isaac, a co-counselor and Lilah’s love interest. Their romance develops slowly as they work side by side and share parts of their lives with each other. Rather than being overly dramatic and steamy, their relationship reflects a realistic first love. Issac’s confidence and self-assurance contrast with Lilah’s doubts. Through their growing bond, Lilah learns that her hearing loss is not something that makes her less than but is an important part of who she is. 

Other counselors play a pivotal role in Lilah’s development too. Ethan, whom Lilah has known since childhood, serves as an unwavering presence, someone she can consistently turn to. His familiarity and steadfast support provide her with a sense of stability, reminding her that she is not alone in her struggles. Mackenzie, however, brings a strikingly different perspective. She often frustrates Lilah by demonstrating superior sign language skills and attempting to “teach” ASL despite never having experienced deafness herself. To Lilah, Mackenzie embodies the privilege of being hearing while inserting herself into a culture that is not her own. This tension compels Lilah to confront her own deepening feelings of inadequacy. 

The pacing of the story is steady and heartfelt, with no major plot twists or drama. Instead, it relies on a satisfying, gradual journey of growth. At first, Lilah worries about not being deaf enough, misunderstandings in her relationship with Isaac, and her fear of stepping out of her comfort zone. These conflicts are realistic and will be deeply relatable for anyone who has ever felt caught between two identities. By the end of the summer, Lilah slowly begins to embrace her deafness as a part of who she is, and she finds confidence and a sense of belonging.   

Give Me a Sign has many positive aspects, such as its representation, hopeful tone, and portrayal of identity. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how it highlights the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving when you find a community. Ultimately, Give Me a Sign is more than just a summer romance — it’s a story about self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage to be authentic. Readers will walk away with a reminder that community can be a place of empowerment, but the real turning point comes when you allow yourself to step fully into your own identity.  

Sexual Content  

• Lilah develops a romantic relationship with Isaac, another counselor. Their romance includes kissing and handholding. 

Violence 

• As Lilah is swimming, a child camper named Cole jumps on her and refuses to let go. It is later explained that he did this because he has a crush on her. “I try to shrug off his hands. But Cole latches on tight, nails digging into my skin.” She tries to push him off, but he ends up ripping off her swimsuit in the process.  
• Isaac is pushed against a car and restrained by cops after being accused of theft. They refuse to listen to Lilah as she tries to explain that he’s deaf and can’t hear their orders. “[The cop] reaches forward and pushes Isaac’s back against the patrol car, preparing to search him.”

Language  

• There is occasional swearing, including shit, crap, and damn. 

Supernatural 

• None

Spiritual Content  

• None 

by Rayna Burlison