El Deafo

Bell, C. (2014). El Deafo. NY: Harry N. Abrams.

Summary:

An ironically written graphic novel that is loosely based on Cece Bell’s childhood and learning to live with her deafness will leave readers laughing at the comedy of main character and enjoy her passion to find a true friend. Cece loses her hearing at a young age and must learn to deal with the changes and difficulties presented in her life due to her hearing loss. Cece begins wearing a hearing device that she finds embarrassing, but begins realizing that it gives her “super powers” and she can hear what others cannot. Cece continues in the story to prove that her loss of hearing does not change who she is or what she can do all while trying to find someone that she can call a true friend.

Evaluative Criteria:

A compelling story for all graphic novel lovers. This memoir chronicles the loss of Cece’s hearing at a young age and as she searches for a true friend. During her journey readers are able to see her fantasize about using her phonic ear and having superpowers as she humorously tackles the isolation she feels and coping with having a disability. I would use this book to introduce reader’s differences and ask students to make a comic strip of what they feel could be their superpower.

Other novels by Cece Bell

BeeWigged shares the same search for friendship that readers will find in El Deafo as Jerry Bee searches for friends as he feels isolated from the group due to being an overly large bee.

I Yam A Donkey tells the silly and hilarious grammatically incorrect tale of cartoon figures trying to give a grammar lesson.

Simliar to El Deafo, young readers will enjoy the illustrations and find the book entertaining.

Chuck and Woodchuck also tells the tale of finding friendship among the unknown. It helps to show readers that while it may take time eventually you can find the friend you have been looking for similar to El Deafo.

Book Trailer