El Deafo

Bibliography

Bell, Cece. El Deafo. New York: Amulet Books, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4197-1217-3.

Plot

When Cece is four, she contracts meningitis which leaves her unable to hear afterwards. While she likes her small hearing aids, she struggles with accepting the bulky, more powerful hearing aid that she must wear at school. She begins to imagine herself as having super powers and names her super hero persona El Deafo. Some kids treat her differently because of her hearing aid, so she struggles to navigate the social aspects of school and to find just the right friend. Once she starts to understand herself better, she is able to accept herself and make friends.

Critical Analysis

This was my first graphic novel to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are portrayed as rabbits. The colorful, detailed illustrations really help bring this book together. The illustrations helped to tell more of the story than just the words alone could have. The dialogue is realistic and age appropriate.

This story is told from Cece’s perspective, which allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of people with disabilities. Children can relate to Cece in her struggle to fit in and make friends. Children with disabilities can relate to her wanting people to see her for who she is and not as the girl with a hearing aid. This novel is autobiographical and chronicles the author’s journey towards self acceptance.

Awards

2015 Newbery Honor

Review Excerpts

Publishers Weekly starred review:  "A standout autobiography. Someone readers will enjoy getting to know.”

School Library Journal: “This warmly and humorously illustrated full-color graphic novel set in the suburban '70s has all the gripping characters and inflated melodrama of late childhood: a crush on a neighborhood boy, the bossy friend, the too-sensitive-to-her-Deafness friend, and the perfect friend, scared away.”

Connections

*Students can learn more about American Sign Language.

*This book lends itself to discussions about friendship and acceptance.

*Other graphic novels:

·         Libenson, Terri. Invisible Emmie ISBN 978-0062484932

·         Chmakova, Svetlana. Awkward. ISBN 978-0316381307

·         Telgemeier, Raina. Smile. ISBN 0545132060