Ava would like nothing more than to tell her family she loves them, particularly her big sister, Nic. But Ava has Rett syndrome - she can't talk, can't nod her head, can't even point at a communication card. She understands everything, but no one understands her.
When tragedy strikes her family, Ava becomes even more determined to talk. But it's not until she meets occupational therapist Kieran and new friend Aimee that she is hopeful for change - and to be heard at last.
Samantha Wheeler studied agriculture, worked with dairy farmers, and taught science before writing her first children's book in 2011. Five novels later, her stories have been shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards, Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, the Readings Children's Book Prize, the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature, and commended in the Royal Zoological Society of NSW Whitley Awards. When not writing, she spends time with her husband, pets and two beautiful daughters, the youngest of whom has Rett syndrome. Samantha hopes her stories will encourage everyone to speak up for what they believe in.