What do you think?
Rate this book
Isaiah and the Orchestra of Sounds
Isaiah (14 and a bit) is living the perfect and peaceful life in Baltimore, Maryland, when, suddenly, he acquires an alien resident orchestra in his right ear! Our endearing hero has a doting mom whom he adores. He is best friends with Sammy and Rosa at a rigorous college prep school. He's a deep thinker, gets fantastic grades and loves video games. The lively story of Isaiah's battle with the unwelcome performers will keep you on the edge of your seat until the grande finale.
Written in free verse, the book offers a humorous yet serious look at the tinnitus challenges faced by Isaiah. It is a creatively and boldly illustrated graphic story geared towards pre-teens, teenagers, their parents and guardians, anyone who knows someone dealing with tinnitus, or anyone who would like to learn more about the condition which affects over 50 million Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and about 30% of the worldwide population. The book includes resources to help people with tinnitus and advice for noise avoidance and tinnutus prevention.
Written in free verse, the book offers a humorous yet serious look at the tinnitus challenges faced by Isaiah. It is a creatively and boldly illustrated graphic story geared towards pre-teens, teenagers, their parents and guardians, anyone who knows someone dealing with tinnitus, or anyone who would like to learn more about the condition which affects over 50 million Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and about 30% of the worldwide population. The book includes resources to help people with tinnitus and advice for noise avoidance and tinnutus prevention.
42 pages, Hardcover
Published July 22, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 6, 2024
beautiful illustrations and amazing story
This is a book your child will love with insightful education on tinnitus. I highly recommend for anyone learning! This is a great book!
This is a book your child will love with insightful education on tinnitus. I highly recommend for anyone learning! This is a great book!
December 15, 2022
Fourteen-year-old Isaiah lives a peaceful life in Baltimore, Maryland, until he is stricken with a horrible disease called tinnitus which he describes as an orchestra of sounds in his ear. There are the squeaks like a disrespectful mouse, the ringing like an old rotary phone, the sound of a bike chain that needs lubrication and many more annoying noises that make his skin crawl. Nothing Isaiah does seems to get rid of the “aliens in his head” and no one seems to understand the torture he is experiencing. This easy-to-read book with its vibrant, comic book characters and appealing graphic design gives readers a deeper understanding of tinnitus and leads them to be more compassionate towards those who suffer from this frustrating condition. Although there is no known cure for tinnitus, there are ways to get the brain to ignore the ringing sounds and loud noises. Included at the back of the book are resources, a glossary, solutions, treatment and additional sources for professional help for families with loved ones who are experiencing this condition.
May 6, 2023
Isaiah and the Orchestra of sounds is a good graphic novel to bring awareness to tinnitus and the affects it can have on a person.
As Isaiah suffers through the book we see how the sounds become more and more distracting. I liked how she also discussed how prayer and how it was an important part of this family’s life. However, prayer and a doctor visit were both needed to help Isaiah. I think it is important to use the medical professionals who have studied these problems to help with healing.
I think this book can also be a conversation starter for other physical or mental illnesses that are not seen but certainly a cause of suffering for the person dealing with it.
As Isaiah suffers through the book we see how the sounds become more and more distracting. I liked how she also discussed how prayer and how it was an important part of this family’s life. However, prayer and a doctor visit were both needed to help Isaiah. I think it is important to use the medical professionals who have studied these problems to help with healing.
I think this book can also be a conversation starter for other physical or mental illnesses that are not seen but certainly a cause of suffering for the person dealing with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
A beautiful chorus of words and story
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when there is no external source for these sounds.
It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears." Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may result from various underlying factors, such as exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, earwax blockage, or certain medical conditions. This book provides a thoroughly researched and comprehensive approach to educating and raising awareness about Tinnitus, making it a valuable resource on this topic.
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when there is no external source for these sounds.
It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears." Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may result from various underlying factors, such as exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, earwax blockage, or certain medical conditions. This book provides a thoroughly researched and comprehensive approach to educating and raising awareness about Tinnitus, making it a valuable resource on this topic.
December 2, 2022
Amazing book, Epic Description
Everything about the author and illustrators' detailed description of this illness, including the extensive vocabulary (with a glossary in back of the book), the skilled, lyrical tone of the protagonist, the many, intense emotions portrayed in the drawings, brings this story to life in such a way that makes one forget that learning is happening. And the story does much to honor culture as well as subculture in the process of doing so. We need more books like this for our children.
Everything about the author and illustrators' detailed description of this illness, including the extensive vocabulary (with a glossary in back of the book), the skilled, lyrical tone of the protagonist, the many, intense emotions portrayed in the drawings, brings this story to life in such a way that makes one forget that learning is happening. And the story does much to honor culture as well as subculture in the process of doing so. We need more books like this for our children.
April 15, 2026
Unique and engaging Book for teens and preteens
This is a unique and engaging book that tells Isaiah’s story in a creative and relatable way. The comic-style illustrations are colourful and fun, making it an easy and enjoyable read for young readers.
The story does a great job of helping readers understand what living with tinnitus can feel like, while also encouraging empathy and compassion. The added resources and helpful information at the end make this book even more valuable.
This is a unique and engaging book that tells Isaiah’s story in a creative and relatable way. The comic-style illustrations are colourful and fun, making it an easy and enjoyable read for young readers.
The story does a great job of helping readers understand what living with tinnitus can feel like, while also encouraging empathy and compassion. The added resources and helpful information at the end make this book even more valuable.
June 6, 2022
The illustrations are really good and the narration is cartoon style
The storyline relevant and educational
I learned about tinnitus and now I'm anxious about going deaf
I don't do well with metaphoric/poetic language as it feels like I vaguely follow the story but I don't quite know what it is about
It is a book for kids, I'm sure they enjoy this more
The storyline relevant and educational
I learned about tinnitus and now I'm anxious about going deaf
I don't do well with metaphoric/poetic language as it feels like I vaguely follow the story but I don't quite know what it is about
It is a book for kids, I'm sure they enjoy this more
September 19, 2022
Isaiah and the Orchestra
A great book for children to learn about tinnitus. Great illustrations and easy to read and understand. The author has included definitions at the back and further information about this disease as well as how to prevent it. She is very knowledgeable on this topic. It's highly recommended.
A great book for children to learn about tinnitus. Great illustrations and easy to read and understand. The author has included definitions at the back and further information about this disease as well as how to prevent it. She is very knowledgeable on this topic. It's highly recommended.
September 30, 2022
enlightening
I hadn’t heard of tinnitus before reading this book. It would seem like having an orchestra in your ear would be wonderful, but as the book shows, it can actually be like a nightmare! The book does well at explaining things at the end. It’s a nice story about how faith (and medicine) can help you get through difficult health conditions. Take care of your body!
I hadn’t heard of tinnitus before reading this book. It would seem like having an orchestra in your ear would be wonderful, but as the book shows, it can actually be like a nightmare! The book does well at explaining things at the end. It’s a nice story about how faith (and medicine) can help you get through difficult health conditions. Take care of your body!
October 2, 2022
Great book that surprised me
This was a great boy that surprised when. Reading in the beginning the illustrations made me think of this book was a comic book. The beautiful illustrations were nice. As I continued to read, the point of the book became clear. I have hearing lost too. This book will teach kids about this subject with laughter for better understanding.
This was a great boy that surprised when. Reading in the beginning the illustrations made me think of this book was a comic book. The beautiful illustrations were nice. As I continued to read, the point of the book became clear. I have hearing lost too. This book will teach kids about this subject with laughter for better understanding.
October 5, 2022
Wonderful illustrations
This book is a great resource for older children to understand the effects of hearing issues and how they can possibly be prevented. The challenges that Isaiah has with the constant noises in his head are part of his Tintunitis. This is a great book for families with older children going through similar issues.
This book is a great resource for older children to understand the effects of hearing issues and how they can possibly be prevented. The challenges that Isaiah has with the constant noises in his head are part of his Tintunitis. This is a great book for families with older children going through similar issues.
March 10, 2023
Fantastic
I really think it is great way to tell people on the condition of tinnitus. My best friend suffers with it and I know how hard normal life can be. A great story following Isaiah and his struggles with the condition, thank goodness for Risa showing him how to embrace it and not let it control your life. Lovely illustrations, good job.
I really think it is great way to tell people on the condition of tinnitus. My best friend suffers with it and I know how hard normal life can be. A great story following Isaiah and his struggles with the condition, thank goodness for Risa showing him how to embrace it and not let it control your life. Lovely illustrations, good job.
March 28, 2023
Informative and Entertaining
This book was both informative and entertaining. The reader learns a lot about tinnitus from the details woven into the story. The graphic novel style of illustration helps to bring the words to life. The author did a great job of introducing new vocabulary, bringing awareness, and providing resources surrounding tinnitus. Kudos!
This book was both informative and entertaining. The reader learns a lot about tinnitus from the details woven into the story. The graphic novel style of illustration helps to bring the words to life. The author did a great job of introducing new vocabulary, bringing awareness, and providing resources surrounding tinnitus. Kudos!
February 4, 2024
Informative!
A great story, wonderful illustration. A great way to intertwine learning about a condition not know by tons of people called tinnitus. I knew about tinnitus but didn’t know it could sounds different than ringing in the ear! Beautiful book and my boys definitely enjoyed it! On the re-read list for sure!
A great story, wonderful illustration. A great way to intertwine learning about a condition not know by tons of people called tinnitus. I knew about tinnitus but didn’t know it could sounds different than ringing in the ear! Beautiful book and my boys definitely enjoyed it! On the re-read list for sure!
March 17, 2024
helpful book for tinnitus sufferers
This is a fast-paced, action-packed, graphic novel about a boy who suffers from tinnitus. He constantly hears a cacophony of sounds that distract him and almost drive him mad. It’s an interesting way to bring light to this hearing issue that many people live with daily.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed, graphic novel about a boy who suffers from tinnitus. He constantly hears a cacophony of sounds that distract him and almost drive him mad. It’s an interesting way to bring light to this hearing issue that many people live with daily.
April 11, 2024
A great awareness book
My daughter suffers with ear issues, not tinnitus, but often blocked due to wax and often gets infections. Ear issues are so unpleasant. This book is a great idea for children to become aware of what is happening.
Really liked the illustrations and book layout.
My daughter suffers with ear issues, not tinnitus, but often blocked due to wax and often gets infections. Ear issues are so unpleasant. This book is a great idea for children to become aware of what is happening.
Really liked the illustrations and book layout.
September 26, 2024
Amazing!
This is a fantastic graphic novel by this author. The illustrations are amazing and the storyline is compelling and does great justice to the medical condition tinnitus. This is a great book for anyone especially a younger person who is dealing with this affliction. I found it to be an enjoyable read and I believe that they will too!
This is a fantastic graphic novel by this author. The illustrations are amazing and the storyline is compelling and does great justice to the medical condition tinnitus. This is a great book for anyone especially a younger person who is dealing with this affliction. I found it to be an enjoyable read and I believe that they will too!
September 26, 2024
Tinnitus Understanding and Support
This book is well-written. I enjoyed this comic book style children's book with the bright illustrations and believable characters. It was highly informative and gave me a better understanding of tinnitus, its causes, treatments, and where to go for help.
This book is well-written. I enjoyed this comic book style children's book with the bright illustrations and believable characters. It was highly informative and gave me a better understanding of tinnitus, its causes, treatments, and where to go for help.
May 23, 2025
Overcoming the chaos in your own head
I had always thought tinnitus was a ringing noise in your ears. This book really depicts what chaos this disorder can cause. So many noises and so distracting and upsetting. I loved the comic book format and the artwork overall. By the end I felt so glad when Isaiah’s suffering finally stopped. Recommended.
I had always thought tinnitus was a ringing noise in your ears. This book really depicts what chaos this disorder can cause. So many noises and so distracting and upsetting. I loved the comic book format and the artwork overall. By the end I felt so glad when Isaiah’s suffering finally stopped. Recommended.
June 13, 2022
Lovely comic!
First off, I really like the comic style of the book. The illustrations were fun, colourful and simply great! It was quite an engaging book, I was eager to find out what happened in the end and was glad when I did 😊
First off, I really like the comic style of the book. The illustrations were fun, colourful and simply great! It was quite an engaging book, I was eager to find out what happened in the end and was glad when I did 😊
July 24, 2022
Very Informative
I enjoyed this story and learned quite a bit. The comic book format draws you in and allows you to understand Tinnitus and how Isiah's daily life is affected. I was relieved when Isiah was able to find relief.
I enjoyed this story and learned quite a bit. The comic book format draws you in and allows you to understand Tinnitus and how Isiah's daily life is affected. I was relieved when Isiah was able to find relief.
October 3, 2022
Thanks to the author for the book "Isaiah and the Orchestra of Sounds" book!
In my opinion this book shall be considered unique as it touches the problem of health and teaches self-confidence.
Highly recommended to parents and their children.
In my opinion this book shall be considered unique as it touches the problem of health and teaches self-confidence.
Highly recommended to parents and their children.
October 4, 2022
wonderful illustrations
A very well written and articulated book about a rare condition I have never heard about - tinnitus. I loved the illustrations and the comic style of the book.
A very well written and articulated book about a rare condition I have never heard about - tinnitus. I loved the illustrations and the comic style of the book.
November 11, 2022
tinnitus awareness
A good way to make kids aware of a condition that isn’t very well known. We hadn’t heard of tinnitus before reading this book, and we enjoyed the colorful comic book style.
A good way to make kids aware of a condition that isn’t very well known. We hadn’t heard of tinnitus before reading this book, and we enjoyed the colorful comic book style.
January 8, 2023
Listening to life!
This graphic novel has great illustrations, the main character Isaiah reminds me of someone’s son. The fact that he has a disease that I recently found out about is amazing. People need to be aware of it and it’s effects on the everyday life.
This graphic novel has great illustrations, the main character Isaiah reminds me of someone’s son. The fact that he has a disease that I recently found out about is amazing. People need to be aware of it and it’s effects on the everyday life.
April 1, 2023
Useful little book
Unique book that teaches children about tinnitus and the struggles that someone suffering from it can go through. It also has a very useful glossary at the end. Thank you.
Unique book that teaches children about tinnitus and the struggles that someone suffering from it can go through. It also has a very useful glossary at the end. Thank you.
February 8, 2024
Great graphic novel for older kids with tinnitus
What a great way to explain this unseen affliction. This is a wonderfully illustrated graphic novel that will educate as well as entertain. Loved the bible verses and faithful mom in this book. Well done!
What a great way to explain this unseen affliction. This is a wonderfully illustrated graphic novel that will educate as well as entertain. Loved the bible verses and faithful mom in this book. Well done!
February 21, 2024
engaging
This was an engaging read, making me interested page after page! The illustrations were also lively and depicts how bad the symptoms could be. It’s useful to help normalize emotions of kids who have these to make them feel they are not alone!
This was an engaging read, making me interested page after page! The illustrations were also lively and depicts how bad the symptoms could be. It’s useful to help normalize emotions of kids who have these to make them feel they are not alone!
Read
March 1, 2024Isaiah & the Orchestra
No matter what Isaiah did, he heard a bunch of noises inside his ears. The sounds were driving him crazy! This is a great book that teaches about tinnitus and it’s effect on people. The comic style is very enjoyable. Nice read.
No matter what Isaiah did, he heard a bunch of noises inside his ears. The sounds were driving him crazy! This is a great book that teaches about tinnitus and it’s effect on people. The comic style is very enjoyable. Nice read.
October 2, 2022
Amazon Customer
Love this book in comic book format! Very well written to help relay Isaiah’s experiences with Tennitus… an experience most of us are unaware of. Also how to cope and get better. Very enjoyable and informative.
Love this book in comic book format! Very well written to help relay Isaiah’s experiences with Tennitus… an experience most of us are unaware of. Also how to cope and get better. Very enjoyable and informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews