shirleytupperfreeman 's review for:

El Deafo by Cece Bell

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In this Newbery Honor winning graphic memoir, ears play a major role. Cece and her family and friends are all drawn with rabbit features. Cece became deaf at age 4 after a bout with meningitis. Her story is both universal (making friends, losing friends, dealing with school) and particular (navigating life as a deaf person). This is a wonderful book about growing up feeling different yet wanting to fit in. I will say I was surprised at a couple of scenes where Cece's mom is smoking cigarettes and having a glass of wine. I questioned the value of such scenes in a children's book until I realized it was a memoir and therefore Cece's reality. Those scenes could lead to constructive conversation with children on several levels. A good story bound to increase understanding and empathy in readers.