El Deafo
El Deafo
By Cece Bell
El Deafo, written and illustrated by Cece Bell, is a graphic novel that tells the story of a young girl named Cece who lost her hearing as a result of an illness at 4 years old. The book is a loose autobiographical account of Bell's childhood and life with her deafness. The novel follows her experiences navigating school and friendships while using a bulky hearing aid that she calls the "Phonic Ear."
What makes El Deafo a great book is the way it portrays Cece's hearing loss and her use of the Phonic Ear as a superhero origin story. The device allows her to hear her teacher's voice from anywhere in the school, giving her an advantage that she leverages to become "El Deafo," a superhero who can hear and solve any problem. The way that Cece visualizes her hearing loss and the use of the Phonic Ear as a tool for her superhero persona makes for a unique and entertaining story.
Throughout the book, Cece encounters many of the challenges that those with hearing loss face, including difficulty communicating with others and feelings of isolation. The novel does an excellent job of highlighting the importance of understanding and accepting those with disabilities, and the author's personal experience with hearing loss makes the story feel authentic and relatable.
The illustrations in "El Deafo" are also fantastic. The cartoonish style of the artwork fits the playful tone of the story, and the use of different colors to represent different sounds is a clever touch that helps readers understand what Cece is hearing. The novel is accessible to readers of all ages and is an excellent resource for parents and teachers looking to introduce children to the subject of hearing loss and disability.
Overall, "El Deafo" is a heartwarming and inspiring graphic novel that offers an honest and engaging portrayal of what it's like to live with hearing loss. Cece's journey to embrace her difference and find her place in the world is a powerful message that readers of all ages can appreciate.
El Deafo, by Cece Bell. Harry N. Abrams (2014).
For more information about Cece Bell click here.
Word Count: 341
What makes El Deafo a great book is the way it portrays Cece's hearing loss and her use of the Phonic Ear as a superhero origin story. The device allows her to hear her teacher's voice from anywhere in the school, giving her an advantage that she leverages to become "El Deafo," a superhero who can hear and solve any problem. The way that Cece visualizes her hearing loss and the use of the Phonic Ear as a tool for her superhero persona makes for a unique and entertaining story.
Throughout the book, Cece encounters many of the challenges that those with hearing loss face, including difficulty communicating with others and feelings of isolation. The novel does an excellent job of highlighting the importance of understanding and accepting those with disabilities, and the author's personal experience with hearing loss makes the story feel authentic and relatable.
The illustrations in "El Deafo" are also fantastic. The cartoonish style of the artwork fits the playful tone of the story, and the use of different colors to represent different sounds is a clever touch that helps readers understand what Cece is hearing. The novel is accessible to readers of all ages and is an excellent resource for parents and teachers looking to introduce children to the subject of hearing loss and disability.
Overall, "El Deafo" is a heartwarming and inspiring graphic novel that offers an honest and engaging portrayal of what it's like to live with hearing loss. Cece's journey to embrace her difference and find her place in the world is a powerful message that readers of all ages can appreciate.
El Deafo, by Cece Bell. Harry N. Abrams (2014).
For more information about Cece Bell click here.
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