El Deafo by Cece Bell

Cece Bell's Newbery Honor Winning book, El Deafo (Interest Level: Grades 3-6; not yet Lexiled), tells the story of the author's childhood and how hard it was to start a new school with a bulky hearing aid strapped on under her clothes.  Her school hearing aid worked with a microphone that the teacher wore; this helped her to be able to hear the teacher clearly.  The surprise was how MUCH Cece could hear of what the teacher said, no matter where she was in the building!

El Deafo is a graphic novel, meaning that the story is told in comic-like pictures.  I usually find these types of books difficult to read, but as I read this story, I found myself unable to see how it could be told in another way.  Cece Bell's use of pictures (and speech bubbles in particular) really made this a fantastic descriptive story of what it was like for her to grow up with impaired hearing.  Students who enjoy stories about kids who overcome difficulties, and students who imagine themselves superheroes will join the students who love graphic novels in enjoying this book!  2016-2017 Indian Paintbrush Nominee. (248 p.)

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