El Deafo

Bell, C. (2014).  El Deafo.  NY: Abrams

Summary:  El Deafo is about the childhood of Cece Bell, who tends to be bullied by her peers because she wears a hearing aid.  Cece, desperately trying to be accepted by her peers lies to them about her hearing abilities. Her life somewhat changes when given "El Deafo" and her hearing abilities to listen to conversations that maybe she shouldn't be.  She eventually shares her "secret" with her peers and magically becomes accepted and becomes "El Deafo."  She hears things that help her peers actually like her.  Her life definitely might not have been the easiest, growing up but it changes for the best when she finally accepts herself as being different, but in a good way.

Strengths:   This book entails the true life of children with a hearing disability.  Author Cece Bell heroic way of dealing with her experiences, in my opinion help many that might feel like her.  Many children might not understand the "hearing aid", and this book is an eye-opener.  The unique circumstances that Cece faced at a young age will definitely inspire many to see life in a new way.  Author Cece Bell, will relate to many especially with her short paragraph at the end, as well as her picture of herself as a child wearing her hearing aids.  El Deafo is geared for middle schools, but in my humble opinion I think even some latter elementary students might appreciate this book as well. 


El Deafo meets the social developmental criteria because the true experiences Cece struggles with while trying to fit it in are difficult for this age group.  While trying to make friends she has to also have her hearing aids.  Cece  in her reality and in her imagination considers "El Deafo" a heroic instrument that allows her to actually become somewhat of a super hero.  She is truly faced with some socially acceptable challenges while growing up.  

Teaching Ideas:

• Students with any type of disability can find this book relatable to them, and therefore can be a great book to read as a whole group and discuss possible connections with the author's experiences. 
• A pre-reading example of anti-bullying.

• PDF File for "El Deafo" Teaching Guide

• Author's Website: Cece Bell Website

Other Books from the Author: