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Module 5 Historical Fiction: ALL HE KNEW - Written by Helen Frost


Module 5 – Book Review 1 

Review of Helen Frost’s ALL HE KNEW 

*This review was written for a course through Sam Houston State University. 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Frost, H. (2020). ALL HE KNEW. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR). ISBN: 9780374312992 

2. PLOT SUMMARY 

“All He Knew” by Helen Frost is a novel-in-poem inspired by a true story. In 1939, a young boy named Zack, who became deaf at the age of four due to childhood sickness, was deemed to be “unteachable” and sent to an institution. The narrative follows Zach and his experience of loss and separation as he goes through his new reality of life with only his memories of the life he knew and the uncertain and scary future. Frost does an incredible job of capturing themes of resilience and focuses on the importance of connection, where love and understanding can guide someone through even the darkest times. What does it mean to truly know and, at the same time, be known yourself? 
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS  

Helen Frost gives a compelling narrative in her novel-in-poem, “All He Knew,” by showing the life of a deaf boy named Zach, considered “unteachable” in early 20th-century society. The character of Zack and those who surround him show qualities of depth and empathy; their experiences reflect the societal misconceptions of disabilities that surrounded disabilities of all kinds at that point in history. The plot is historically accurate, shines a light on the attitudes of society at the time, and showcases the challenges that individuals, such as Zach, faced. The setting is given descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the era and enhance the authenticity of the story. Frost focuses on resilience, connection, and the search for identity. This helps the reader to truly consider what it means to be teachable and understand. The lyrical writing style portrayed by Frost helps to pull together the elements of character, setting, and setting. The dialogue is a true reflection of the era with appropriate speech patterns and helps the reader to have one more aspect of the historical context. Frost’s thorough research also lends itself to authenticity within the narrative by balancing fact and fiction and avoiding stereotypes. Frost reminds readers of a time when the world marginalized those who were different and offers a different perspective to help people show the empathy and understanding society continues to lack.  Frost also includes a section titled Acknowledgements to list the people and research completed to help source the book and therefore adds authenticity. 

On a personal note, this book did not just affect me as a teacher, but more importantly, as a mother. My son was born deaf and is currently seven years old. As I read this novel-in-poem, I was gripped by the raw emotions of what life for my son could have been if he had been born in another time but reminded of the challenges he will face regardless. I continue to work on my ASL studies and hope to eventually become fluent so that I can help my son find his way. This story was an emotional read for me, but it also served to remind me of the joys of my son Patrick and that no matter what, we are blessed. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) 

Booklist (July 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 21))  

A bright lad who survived a childhood illness but lost his hearing, Henry is six years old in 1939, when he arrives at Riverview, a residential facility staffed by loutish attendants. Inspired by her mother-in-law’s poems based on family memories and included in an appended section, this moving story unfolds in a novel written in third person, creating interwoven narratives in free verse and sonnets expressing Henry’s, Molly’s, and Victor’s points of view. Frost brings Henry’s experiences sharply into focus through her spare, evocative storytelling.  

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2020)  

In free-verse poems, Frost tells the story of Henry, deafened by disease in 1937 at age four. This is a quick read, full of historical richness and glimpses of the cruelty and abuse so common in the institutions of the era. Frost's interpretation is softened by the hopeful conclusion of Henry's return home and his introduction to American Sign Language.  

Kirkus Reviews (June 1, 2020)  

A young deaf boy faces the horror of institutionalization in the late 1930s and ’40s. This verse novel tells the story of Henry, who is born hearing and becomes deaf due to a fever at age 4. A sequence of poems by the author’s mother-in-law that inspired the novel are included and contain an outdated portrayal of disability that is presented without context or commentary for readers. An engaging, emotional read that tells an important story—with caveats. 

Publishers Weekly (July 6, 2020)  

In this poignant free verse novel spanning 1933-1945, six-year-old Henry, who becomes deaf following a fever, arrives at the Riverview Home for the Feebleminded after, deemed "unteachable," being rejected by a school for the deaf. Frost balances descriptions of institutional abuse with strong characters and enduring hope. 

School Library Journal starred (July 1, 2020)  

From family history about a young Deaf boy who was institutionalized in 1939, Frost, poet and author of the award-winning Keesha's House, has constructed a moving work of historical fiction written in free verse and sonnets. It bridges two worlds: The deaf community and conscientious objectors who, during World War II, numbered 12,000 men. This must-have is an instant classic of historical fiction, focusing on a Deaf boy institutionalized during World War II. Written in eloquent free verse and sonnets, it's an excellent poetry-teaching tool as well. 

5. CONNECTIONS  

  • Related Books - Other books about the themes of disabilities, misunderstanding, and empathy 

  • Draper, Sharon. OUT OF MY MIND. ISBN 978-1416971719 

  • Lord, Cynthia. RULES. ISBN 978-0439443838 

  • Enrichment Activities -    

  • Empathy roleplay – Have students look at the story from the perspective of Henry, Victor, or Henry’s sister by writing diary entries or even letters to express their feelings. 

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Mini Unit – Introduce basic ASL Signs and explore what it means to have hearing loss and how deaf culture has evolved over time compared to what it is today.

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