by Cece Bell
Cece is a typical four year old until she contracts meningitis and loses her hearing. She starts school and is in a class with other kids who are deaf like she is. Cece is shocked when her family decides to move and she must navigate her way in a new school with all hearing kids. She feels lonely, embarrassed, and ashamed of her Phonic Ear which helps her hear her teacher. She imagines herself as a superhero, who she names El Deafo, to help her cope. Interestingly, it is her hearing aid that helps her connect with the students in her class. Ultimately, she learns that true friends like you for who you are.
El Deafo is an outstanding graphic novel. It is funny and inventive. I think it was an amazingly creative way for the author, Cece Bell, to choose to share her memoir with children. Kids who won't pick up a chapter book are drawn to graphic novels. Somehow, they do not seem as intimidating to read. Because of this, I believe more children will experience what it is like to grow up deaf and to have hearing aids than if Cece had written her memoir in a typical format. In addition, the simplistic drawings of rabbits as the characters will pull in even a younger audience and, thankfully, this story is appropriate for all age groups.
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Author, Cece Bell's website: https://cecebell.wordpress.com/
Book trailer:
Hear Cece talk about her book and life:
Link to information about the Phonic Ear: http://www.phonicear.com/
