El Deafo

 




 Author Cece Bell's memoir El Deafo is a must read for graphic novel and memoir lovers. The story centers around Cece, a girl that loses her ability to hear after she suffers from meningitis. Because of this, Cece has to wear a big box called a hearing aid which she likes to cover with her clothes out of embarassment. Cece attends a special school called Fisher School where other kids are like her and her teacher Dorn teaches her how to read lips a skill Cece struggles with. The following year Cece's family moves away and Cece has to start the first grade at a new school, that does not have classes like Dorn's. Luckliy, Cece is given the "Phonic Ear" which is an improved hearing aid that allows her teacher Mrs. Lufton to wear a microphone an Cece to hear her clearly. Too clearly! Cece realizes that she can hear everything that her teacher says including, teacher lounge chat and even when bathroom use. She imagines herself as a superhero called "El Deafo" with special super powers. As the story progresses Cece finds herself struggling with the growing pains most kids face except they are amplified due to the hurdles that come with her condition.  

Cece's storytelling infuses humor with emotion that is communicated through the mind of child. The situations she finds herself are easy to relate to and place the reader in a position to empathize with her character. I would recommend this book to elementary and middle school readers. Below is a video about the book with Cece Bell. 

By: Elizabeth Moro


Author Cece Bell Talks About Her Book "El Deafo"