I Have No Secrets
not part of a series
on Goodreads (3,859)
What’s inside...
Jemma knows who the murderer is. She knows because he told her. He thought his secret was safe because Jemma can't speak or move. But Jemma observes all kinds of things about everyone around her. His secret is just one of them. And when a new technology means she may be able to communicate and reveal all she knows, Jemma no longer feels powerless in the face of this deadly secret. It's a race against time before the killer acts again or tries to stop her.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
275 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jemma
Sarah
Dan
Discussion points
What do you think Jemma feels when she can't communicate her thoughts to others? How would you feel in her situation?
How do the other characters treat Jemma in the story? Can you think of ways we can be more inclusive and understanding toward people who have different needs?
Jemma has important information she struggles to share. Why is it important for everyone to have a voice? How can we help people who find it hard to communicate?
What did you learn about trust and secrets from the story? How do secrets affect relationships between characters?
This book also looks at solving a mystery — What clues did you find interesting or surprising? How did these clues help solve the mystery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to fully understand your child’s thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Jemma’s challenges and achievements, enhancing their connection to the story.
Discuss the significance of empathy and understanding by reflecting on how Jemma is treated and how characters in the book learn to communicate better with her.
Highlight the importance of allowing everyone to share their thoughts by discussing how crucial Jemma’s voice is to uncovering the truth in the mystery.
Reinforce problem-solving skills by discussing the sequence of clues in the mystery and asking your child how they would piece the clues together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: The protagonist, Jemma, who has cerebral palsy, struggles with communication due to her inability to speak or move. Through the development of the story, it highlights the significance and her desire to communicate with those around her.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand and value their ability to communicate and express themselves, and to be patient and accommodating towards those who might have different communicative abilities.
Example Lesson: Everyone deserves to be heard
Explanation: Jemma, despite her physical limitations, has valuable information about a crime, showing that everyone has the potential to contribute meaningfully to a situation regardless of their abilities.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children about inclusivity and respecting everyone's voice and opinions, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Example Lesson: The strength of perseverance
Explanation: Jemma’s determination to make herself understood forms a central theme in the book. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains resolute in her efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming personal challenges and achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Throughout the book, the readers are given a deep insight into Jemma's thoughts and challenges, which fosters empathy and understanding for people with disabilities.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and understanding for different perspectives and life experiences, encouraging a kinder, more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: The impact of secrets
Explanation: The book explores the weight and consequences of keeping secrets, as Jemma holds crucial information about a crime.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the moral nuances of secrecy and honesty, helping them understand when it is necessary to share information and the potential consequences of withholding it.