El Deafo by Cece Bell

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6- Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult

Bibliography: Bell, Cece. (Color by David Lasky). 2014. El Deafo. New York: Abrams The Art of Books.

ISBN-13 : 978-1419712173

Plot Summary:

Follow the childhood journey of a self proclaimed super hero in this touching semi-autobiographical graphic novel. Cece started life as a typical kid, playing with her friends and fighting with her siblings. An illness at the age of four changed everything. Cece, depicted as an adorable rabbit, must face the pressure of school and friendships while wearing a hearing aid she is still uncomfortable with. With the help of new friends, Cece discovers that what sets her apart also makes her so special. Her hearing aid gives her powers and this inspiring novel takes the reader on her journey to discover them.

Analysis:

Cece Bell writes a colorful graphic novel about very real and difficult subjects. Her insight to her struggle with hearing loss gives the reader a perspective they may not have had before. The target age for this book is early middle school. This is the time when most kids struggle with the big emotions of the book. Acceptance and fitting in. Bell adds another layer by discussing her journey. Most kids can relate to being the “outsider” at a slumber party but for Cece in the book, the discomfort intensifies when the lights are turned off and she is blocked from the conversation.

The illustrations are bright and colorful. The characters are rabbits but dress and behave like typical kids. The fact that they are rabbits with big ears that are known for great hearing, makes you feel even more hurt for the character that is having a hard time. The dialogue is drawn into the book in a few different ways. The narrator has yellow text boxes above the pictures and the characters have speech and thought bubbles above their heads. This format is especially powerful at the beginning of the book when Cece learns she cannot hear and the speech bubbles are blank. Sometimes when Cece is struggling with understanding, the bubbles show exactly what Cece hears. The reader can get a better understanding of the frustration Cece feels.

The author’s note at the end of the book gives a beautiful and inclusive explanation of the deaf community. She makes sure the readers know this story is a version of her truth but it is not the same reality for everyone in the deaf community. I love her message that time and perspective allowed her to see her difference as a gift. The reader leaves feeling inspired and not pity. I have personally recommended the book to many friends after reading it.

Reviews:

“Her whimsical color illustrations (all the human characters have rabbit ears and faces), clear explanations and Cece’s often funny adventures help make the memoir accessible and entertaining.” ― Kirkus Reviews

“This memoir is thus exceptionally informative and entertaining in relation to some aspects of deaf communication, but, most centrally and powerfully, it is exceptional for its perceptive, indomitable protagonist and complex story of friendship, growth, and classroom and family dynamics.” ― The Horn Book Magazine

“Bell’s book should be an inspiration for  those who are ‘different,’ and it should help others to understand just what being different means. Required reading isn’t always fun reading. El Deafo should be the first and is definitely the second.” ― New York Times Book Review

Awards:

Connections:

Start a collection of graphic novels that are targeted for the same aged audience. For example:

New Kid by Jerry Craft ISBN-13 : 978-0062691194

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson ISBN-13 : 978-0525553908

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson ISBN-13 : 978-0803740167

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier ISBN-13 : 978-0545540629

Accommodations:

Read the author’s note at the end of the book. Discuss the concept of a spectrum. Hearing loss is on a spectrum and so is the way people live with their reality of it. All should be respected.

Listen to the author CeCe Bell speak about her book and her childhood.

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