Unheard Voices — Judy Baer

Lexi Leighton thinks she knows all about how tough it is to be the new girl in town until the late fall day when Ruth Miller is introduced to her class. So sweet looking, so pale and frightened, Lexi's heart aches for her. Then it turns out that Ruth has a severe hearing impairment, and she instantly becomes the easy target of cutting remarks and cruel jokes. Even one of the teachers treats her with such impatience that the message is clear: Your handicap disqualifies you from really learning and from being shown the same respect as other students.

Lexi is furious with the awful treatment Ruth receives and determines to make friends with her. Lexi discovers that Ruth is a very talented and intelligent girl who is determined to overcome her disability, despite the isolation she feels.

But will the walls of prejudice come down?

How can Lexi get others to see the real Ruth?