Amulet Books El Deafo

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves graphic novels.Cece became deaf at the age of 4 after an illness she had. The book sees her struggles at fitting in at her new school, which sees her surrounded by hearing people. She goes through many different friends who seem nice but make a big deal about her hearing aid. They assume that turning the volume up on the television and the radio will help Cece understand and one girl, Ginny, speaks really loud and slow.I like the way Cece portrays the characters as rabbits and I especially love the illustration of Cece the rabbit wearing headphones during a hearing test.I got this book for my 13th birthday but I would say this book is aimed at a younger audience than 'Smile' and 'Roller Girl'. I lent it to my friend who has now lent it to her 8 year old sister. I would recommended it for ages 7 and upwards.My favourite part is where she makes friends with Martha although a lot of the American terms she said where difficult for me to understand, the same with the school years but it is no different than in 'Smile'.

My thoughts:The artwork is this graphic novel is GORGEOUS! I absolutely loved that all the characters were animals, and the colourful cheery art style of really helped set the tone for El Deafo.The story was VERY compelling. I really loved seeing Cece’s triumphs and struggles over quite a large period of her childhood. I especially liked how the book presented her struggles with friends, and their reactions to her being hearing impaired–it was fascinating.I adored the insight we got into Cece. This was probably the most personal graphic novel I’ve ever read, and when I finished it I was not only really satisfied with the story, but also completely in love with the character of Cece.I also absolutely loved the interludes with El Deafo, the superhero Cece creates. I thought they were laugh-out-loud-funny, beautifully illustrated and great story pauses.Because this is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel, the structure of this story was initially a little jarring–there is no build up and climatic ending. However, the structural style grew on me, and by the end of the book, I really enjoyed it.Overall, this book was fantastic. Funny and heartwarming, educational and entertaining, and of course, beautiful. If you love graphic novels, or kidlit with heart, or just fancy a change in your reading pile, I really recommend this gorgeous book.

Was hoping to share this graphic novel with my deaf students but the writer's attitude to sign language was quite negative and is unresolved in the book, so I think my students might have been rather upset or offended by it, which was unfortunate as they would have shared many of the other experiences covered in the book. Obviously the writer is representing her own personal feelings, but I would be wary of using this text with deaf pupils and students as a result.

A sweet, charming and warm exploration of what it’s like for Cece growing up, making friends (and losing them) and her deafness. I thought it was brilliantly done. My friend has been recommending this to me for MONTHS and I’m glad I finally got round to it!

Just love this book for my 9 yr old deaf son we love how signing is incorporated its huge part of our lives ..... my son adores it