Stuck in Neutral

Stuck in Neutral
by Terry Trueman
Published by HarperTeen (2001)
128 pages; ages 14+

Synopsis: Shawn McDaniel has severe cerebral palsy and is unable to voluntarily move any part of his body, and he cannot control the sounds he makes. Shawn’s mind, however, is completely functional, but because he is unable to respond, people assume that he is a “vegetable.” Because of his wild seizures and he various other problems, his dad leaves the family so that he doesn’t have to deal with Shawn’s problems. In an attempt to show his love for Shawn, Shawn’s dad makes several comments about “ending Shawn’s pain.” With the help of his siblings and fortunate involuntary movements, Shawn must find a way to show his father that he is a real person who doesn’t want to die.

Genre: New Realism/Problem

Warning: some language and brief sexual references

Recommendations: Cruise Control by Terry Trueman; Inside Out by Terry Trueman; The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle; Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli