Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming, funny comics memoir of growing up deaf.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say this is a heartwarming and educational graphic novel about a girl who experiences the challenges of growing up deaf, blending humor with important themes of friendship and acceptance. While it includes a few mature elements, such as smoking and crushes, many readers find it inspirational and a valuable reading experience for older children and tweens.
- educational value
- positive messages
- humorous elements
- mature content
- friendship themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A bout with meningitis at age 4 leaves Cece with impaired hearing. As she goes off to first grade, she wears the Phonic Ear, a giant hearing aid strapped to her chest. Although she can understand some conversations, she still misses a lot of what's being said by those around her. She wants nothing more than to have a best friend, but can the Phonic Ear provide a way to find one?
Is It Any Good?
Funny, perceptive, and truthful, EL DEAFO expertly captures the experience of wanting to fit in and find a best friend, whether you're deaf or can hear perfectly. Young Cece is a hugely likable main character, alternately feisty and insecure, engrossed in her fantasy life while attuned to the pitfalls of reality. Cartoonist Cece Bell may use anthropomorphic rabbits as stand-ins for her characters, but their humanity shines through on every page.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways in which people with hearing impairments are depicted in the media. What books, movies, or TV shows address deafness with sensitivity and truth?
Why do you think the author of El Deafo depicts all the characters as rabbits? How would the story change if the human characters were presented realistically?
Why is it sometimes difficult to make new friends? What can you do to make the process easier?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cece Bell
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Amulet Books
- Publication date : September 2, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 248
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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