by Cece Bell was listed as one of the Notable Children’s Books of 2014 by the New York Times. A full-color graphic novel, semi-autobiographical, Bell is the main character who is deaf from a young age and chronicles her childhood being different from most children. Self-conscious about her bulky hearing aids, Cece tries to assimilate despite the Phonic Ear which is difficult to conceal. Like Telgemeier’s “Smile,” “El Deafo” draws sympathy to her failed attempts to disguise her differences and triumphs to fit in with her peers. “Smile,” “Sisters,” and “Drama” are in the top 10 circulating books in my school library. As students request similar titles, I will suggest this one. Bell is married to Origami Yoda’s Angelberger.
