All He Knew
All He Knew by Helen Frost is a novel in verse published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on August 11, 2020. This 272-page book tells the story of a young deaf boy named Henry during World War II, exploring his experiences and the challenges he faces as he navigates a world that often misunderstands him. With the support of his sister Molly and a conscientious objector named Victor, who arrives at Riverview, an institution where Henry is sent, the narrative unfolds around themes of resilience and understanding.
Readers will find a poignant exploration of disabilities and the historical context of the Holocaust woven throughout the story. As Henry grapples with being labeled “unteachable,” Victor recognizes his intelligence and potential, leading to transformative moments in Henry’s life. Inspired by true events, All He Knew offers insight into the struggles and triumphs of those who are often overlooked, providing a unique perspective on a significant period in history.
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A 2021 Scott O’Dell Award Winner
A Society of Midland Authors Winner in Children’s Fiction
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year 2021
A novel in verse about a young deaf boy during World War II, the sister who loves him, and the conscientious objector who helps him. Inspired by true events.
Henry has been deaf from an early age—he is intelligent and aware of langauge, but by age six, he has decided it’s not safe to speak to strangers. When the time comes for him to start school, he is labeled “unteachable.” Because his family has very little money, his parents and older sister, Molly, feel powerless to help him. Henry is sent to Riverview, a bleak institution where he is misunderstood, underestimated, and harshly treated.
Victor, a conscientious objector to World War II, is part of a Civilian Public Service program offered as an alternative to the draft. In 1942, he arrives at Riverview to serve as an attendant and quickly sees that Henry is far from unteachable—he is brave, clever, and sometimes mischievous. In Victor’s care, Henry begins to see how things can change for the better.
Heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful, Helen Frost’s All He Knew is inspired by true events and provides sharp insight into a little-known element of history.
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