True Biz by Sara Novic follows Charlie Serrano, a Deaf girl adjusting to life at River Valley School for the Deaf after her parents' divorce. She grapples with her uncomfortable cochlear implant and her strained relationship with her mother. Alongside headmistress February and peer Austin, Charlie learns about Deaf culture and activism, leading to a dramatic protest against cochlear implants. The novel includes themes of family conflict, bodily autonomy, and the Deaf community.

A reader who would enjoy Sara Novic's True Biz is likely captivated by immersive narratives that explore rich cultural contexts and social issues. Fans of The Deaft House by Joanne Greenberg and Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Deaf culture and the compelling character dynamics in this novel.

Sara Novic's True Biz has garnered significant praise for its rich, authentic portrayal of Deaf culture and the experiences of its characters. Critics appreciate the emotional depth and the educational value it brings to readers unfamiliar with the Deaf community. However, some found the narrative pacing uneven and felt that certain plot elements could be more fully developed. Overall, it is a compelling and enlightening read.

Informative / Emotional / Contemplative / Heartwarming / Inspirational

**Charlie Serrano**  
Charlie is a sophomore in high school living in the suburbs of Ohio. After her parents' divorce, she lives with her father, who enrolls her in sign language classes and River Valley, a boarding school for Deaf students. Her enrollment at River Valley is a major turning point in her life as she begins to integrate into the Deaf community and gain self-confidence.

**Austin Workman**  
Austin is a sophomore at River Valley and a fifth-generation Deaf person on his mother's side. Growing up immersed in Deaf culture, he is self-assured and proud of his heritage. Austin's life becomes complicated after his sister, Skylar, is born and diagnosed as Deaf, leading to family tensions regarding a cochlear implant decision.

**February Waters**  
February is the headmistress of River Valley School for the Deaf and a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult). She is passionate about Deaf culture and deeply committed to her students. She faces personal challenges, including the anticipated shutdown of River Valley and dealing with her mother's declining health and eventual passing.

**The Serranos (Victor and Lynnette)**  
Victor and Lynnette are Charlie's divorced parents. Victor has custody of Charlie and actively supports her enrollment in a Deaf school, while Lynnette is opposed to Deaf culture, preferring that Charlie acclimate to the hearing world through a cochlear implant and speech therapy.

**Beth and Henry Workman**  
Beth is a fourth-generation Deaf person committed to Deaf culture, while Henry, her hearing husband, is a sign language interpreter immersed in the Deaf community. Their family faces challenges when considering a cochlear implant for their Deaf daughter, Skylar.

**Mel**  
Mel is February's wife, living in Ohio with her and her mother-in-law. Although Mel does not sign, she participates in Deaf community events and faces personal issues related to February's past relationships.

**Slash (Kyle)**  
Slash, formerly known as Kyle, is a recent high school graduate and a politically active individual. He reconnects with Charlie and learns to communicate with her using sign language, showcasing his caring nature and commitment to social justice.

**Kayla**  
Kayla is Charlie's roommate at River Valley, a Black Deaf student from a working-class background. She faces racism within the Deaf community and plans to attend Gallaudet University, determined to advocate for more inclusivity.

**Skylar**  
Skylar is the youngest in the Workman family, initially born hearing but later diagnosed as Deaf. Her situation emphasizes the family's Deaf pride and the controversial decision about cochlear implants.

- True Biz is praised for its authentic representation of Deaf culture, incorporating elements of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf history, adding depth and education to the narrative.
- Sara Novic, the author of True Biz, is Deaf herself and teaches creative writing and Deaf studies, providing her with a unique perspective that enriches the novel.
- The title True Biz is an idiom in ASL that means "real talk" or "seriously," reflecting the novel's exploration of communication and understanding within the Deaf community.

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