El Deafo by Cece Bell

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El Deafo
by Cece Bell

I first took notice of this book when it came in through the book drop at the library one morning. I stopped checking in books for a few minutes to read the beginning, which I loved. But someone else already had the book on hold, so I couldn't take it home. The second time I ran into it, I wasn't able to take it home either, but I promised it that the third time I saw it, I'd give it a read. And then I broke that promise! I had too many books checked out and needing to be read! But I finally checked it out of the library yesterday and finished reading it today.

This was a mostly autobiographical account of the author's childhood as she figured out how to live with being deaf. I think most people can relate to worrying about having friends or being different. But this was a beautiful, accessible, honest account about her discoveries and trials... illustrated with adorable rabbits. I am such a sucker for a graphic novel memoir, so this was a real treat. The illustrations are adorable, colorful, and give just enough detail.

But the real charm of the story is how easy it is to be right there with the main character. You desperately want her to realize she shouldn't worry so much about her giant hearing aid and for her to have a good friend or two (or, rather, the sidekick to her super hero alter ego: El Deafo!). Her struggles and trials made for a roller coaster of a read. I felt like I understood her struggle so well by the end. I am so glad the author chose to share this with us in such a fun and personal way. I wasn't able to see the author in person last fall at a local book event, and I'm regretting that now.


Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: A book by or about a person who has a disability