Summary: In this graphic novel, Cece, a four-year-old rabbit, is living a normal life with her parents and siblings. When Cece contracts meningitis, she is hospitalized and loses her hearing due to the illness. At first her hearing device does not bother her because she is able to attend kindergarten with other deaf students who have similar devices. When she enters a public school and in a general education classroom, her self-consciousness about her hearing aide increases. As Cece tries to fit in, she has multiple friends who aren’t quite the right fit for her. Once fitted with a more powerful and larger hearing device, the Phonic Ear, Cece has more of a desire to fit in. Through her various friendships and crushes on boys, she finds camaraderie with her peers when she reveals that due to her hearing aide, she can hear her teacher go to the bathroom, visit in the teacher’s lounge, and go about her daily routines, which she has believed was her alter ego super hero, El Deafo’s, super power. The other students applaud her for her great powers, which make her feel accepted and normal. She has blended her fantasy as El Deafo and her reality as Cece.
Commentary: In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Cece Bell describes her life when she was younger. She portrays herself as Cece in the novel; a creative and whimsical character that has insecurities strives for acceptance like almost all young adults. This novel describes her interactions with her peers and how she is willing to do almost anything for their friendship at first. She recognizes the dysfunction in many of the friendships but holds on to them regardless of their flaws until they are unbearable. Although this novel seems to appeal to children who struggle with hearing loss at first, as you read the book, there are many themes and relatable experiences that all young adults can confide in.
Connection: Bee-Wigged by Cece Bell and the Sock Monkey series by Cece Bell
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