El Deafo- Cece Bell

This endearing autobiographical graphic novel has won

1)  Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults

2) The Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children

3) The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature

The whimsical style makes this book approachable while focusing on highlighting awareness of issues centred on hearing loss

Cece Bell lost her hearing as a child when she became ill with meningitis.  This charming memoir engages readers through Cece’s struggles to fit into school and make friends. The book is fast paced with laugh out loud funny episodes….(my nine year old read this straight after I finished as she wanted to know why I was laughing so much).

Cece takes on the superpowers of her hearing aids and becomes EL DEAFO!

Info packed graphics- answer questions about what do all those wires and buttons do on hearing aids.

Excellent summer reading- this is not a tear jerker – instead this book will make you smile-  It’s a book about being brave and over coming- about making new friends and perseverance. One of the most endearing features of this book is the role of teachers as healers- being an educator today is a higher calling-  I’m so grateful for my children’s teachers who go above and beyond their role- they act as intermediaries in disputes and encourage children to break boundaries.  Highly recommend this quick read- a fun book to discuss and read together particularly suitable for ages 8-11 .  There is some romance involved-  a tender childhood crush- nothing too serious or inappropriate.