Books with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters

Last updated: February 20, 2025

From memoirs of growing up deaf to epic fantasies and nail-biting thrillers, these books offer mirrors and windows into the lives of kids and teens who have hearing loss. Reading these books can promote understanding, compassion, and tolerance among hearing readers -- as well as give kids who are deaf and hard of hearing a chance to see relatable characters through compelling stories. For more affirming stories, check out our Books with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion.

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Charlie & Frog Poster Image

BOOK

Charlie & Frog

age 8+

Fun, educational mystery introduces kids to sign language.

Karen Kane Mystery (2018)

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Sail Me Away Home book cover: Girl’s face tinted green on background of blue, signs her nickname by touching her cheek

BOOK

Sail Me Away Home: Show Me a Sign, Book 3

age 8+

Deaf heroine's problematic Paris trip ends smart trilogy.

Ann Clare LeZotte Historical Fiction (2023)

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Set Me Free book cover: Deaf teacher and Deaf student face each other on red background; each make the sign meaning "girl"

BOOK

Set Me Free: Show Me a Sign, Book 2

age 8+

Deaf heroine saves student in gripping historical novel.

Ann Clare LeZotte Historical Fiction (2021)

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Show Me a Sign book cover: Face of young girl and hands signing the word "interpret" which also means "understand"

BOOK

Show Me a Sign, Book 1

age 8+

Historic island community comes to life with deaf heroine.

Ann Clare LeZotte Historical Fiction (2020)

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The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread Poster Image

BOOK

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

age 8+

Brave mouse adventure a modern classic; great read-aloud.

Kate DiCamillo Animals (2004)

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El Deafo Poster Image

BOOK

El Deafo

age 9+

Charming, funny comics memoir of growing up deaf.

Cece Bell Autobiography (2014)

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Hello, Universe Poster Image

BOOK

Hello, Universe

age 9+

Charming tale of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance.

Erin Entrada Kelly Coming of Age (2017)

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Song for a Whale Poster Image

BOOK

Song for a Whale

age 9+

Compelling tale of deaf girl's search for a whale.

Lynne Kelly Coming of Age (2019)

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Wonderstruck Poster Image

BOOK

Wonderstruck

age 9+

Inventive story of runaways in New York, 50 years apart.

Brian Selznick Historical Fiction (2011)

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Deer Run Home book cover: Young white girl in brown curls nuzzles a young deer, she signs I love you

BOOK

Deer Run Home

age 10+

Deaf girl finds her voice in emotional novel in verse.

Ann Clare LeZotte Contemporary Fiction (2024)

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You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! Poster Image

BOOK

You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!

age 10+

Brave but heavy-handed look at racism and deaf life.

Alex Gino Coming of Age (2018)

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Hurt Go Happy Poster Image

BOOK

Hurt Go Happy

age 11+

Award-winner faces tough topic of animal testing.

Ginny Rorby Family Life (2006)

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Dragonswood Poster Image

BOOK

Dragonswood

age 12+

Teen girl's bold adventure among dragons, fairies, princes.

Janet Lee Carey Fantasy (2012)

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Soundless Poster Image

BOOK

Soundless

age 12+

Solid standalone fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore.

Richelle Mead Fantasy (2015)

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The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin Poster Image

BOOK

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

age 13+

Funny, overweight, deaf -- the new kid is an unlikely hero.

Josh Berk Mystery (2010)

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There Will Be Lies Poster Image

BOOK

There Will Be Lies

age 13+

Deaf teen learns scary truths in suspenseful thriller.

Nick Lake Mystery (2015)

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