El Deafo

Bell, C. (2014). El Deafo. New York, NY: Amulet Books.

This is a autobiography written in a graphic novel format. Cece Bell was born healthy but as a young child she got meningitis and became deaf. She now must adjust to living in a hearing world. She goes to a school with other hear impaired students and learns how to lip read. By first grade she starts a new school in a new town. She attends a regular elementary and starts to wear the Phonic Ear. This device allows her to hear her teachers better and means she doesn't have to watch their lips.  Through the years, Cece makes friend and looses friends. She does her best to fit in without having her hearing impairment stand out. She is embarrassed by anyone who shows her special attention because of it especially when they attempt to use sign language. Cece refuses to learn it. She thinks it will make people stare at her.  Cece has the life of a typical young girl: slumber parties, first day of school jitters, and crushes. When her classmates realize her ability to hear her teacher no matter where she is located in the school because of the Phonic Ear, she becomes the class superhero. Cece realizes that her condition may not be a bad thing worth hiding from others after all.

This is another book that shows the power of living with a disability. These students just want to be included. They don't want any special treatment but come to realize that sometimes it is needed. This novel would be a good read for teachers and school counselors to include in lessons on acceptance and tolerance.