El Deafo by Cece Bell

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

Anyone’s childhood poses a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when you enter grade school. In her autobiographical account about her early years, El Deafo, Cece Bell shares with the reader what it was like to be the “different” kid. Perhaps carrying a hearing aid was out of the ordinary and unavoidably uncomfortable; however, there are, unfortunately, some impediments in life that are by far more hindering than an unwelcomed disability.

For instance, thinking that one does not even have the right to befriend another person and that settling for any friends is much better than to have no friends at all. Nonetheless, her panorama changes when she twists her own fate and acknowledges the fact that instead of an obstacle, her deafness is really what makes her strong and unique. And it even gets her a sidekick!

Beautiful graphic novel! This story is depicted through colorful comic strips. The story unravels through cartoon characters, but that helps the reader understand its theme better. I was able to perceive the feelings and actions of the characters through the images. I was able to connect to the main character, as I had a student that used to wear hearing aids and had to carry a similar pouch/purse on her chest. As a teacher, I understand the importance of meetings the disability needs of children.

Any teacher could use this story to teach students how students with disabilities face bigger challenges than us, that we don’t have serious disabilities or any disabilities like they do. The colorful pages and comic strip format will sure capture their total attention. Students, ages 10 and up could easily pick up this book and read it.

If you enjoyed reading, El Deafo, which consists of 233 pages, perhaps you may also like The Sleepover, which is also written by Cece Bell.