I loved the graphic novel El Deafo (Amulet Books, 2014) by Cece Bell. Based on her own childhood, four-year-old Cece becomes ill and loses her hearing. The story outlines kindergarten through fifth grade showing Cece’s struggles and accomplishments. I can relate to Cece’s shyness as a child, and felt so sympathetic for her and rejoiced when . . . well, I don’t want to spoil the end if you haven’t read it. Here’s a book trailer with Cece herself talking about El Deafo.
I believe this story is important for kids to read to not only help them understand better how to deal with someone who is hearing impaired, but to learn that differences can be “superpowers” as Cece says. I’m not the only one who thinks it is important as the book is a 2015 Newbery Honor book! On the publisher’s site you can read all kinds of great reviews. Here’s an article about Cece and how she made the book, too.
Author/Illustrator Cece Bell has written and illustrated other books. See details here.
Tag: graphic novel
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Amulet Books, 2010) by Tom Angleberger is one cute middle grade graphic novel.
6th grader Tommy is trying to figure out if the finger puppet is real or, as his friend Harvey says, just “a paperwad.” But Dwight isn’t smart enough to say all the things Origami Yoda says, is he? Tommy has each person write up their Origami Yoda experience and then both Harvey and he comment. Book ends with Tommy and his conclusions, oh, and directions to make your own Origami Yoda.
Read an interview with Tom about the book here. His website has a superfolder talk zone where you can see pictures of other characters made by fans.
The next book, Darth Paper Strikes Back, has recently come out. Don’t you love the title? I need to get my hands on that one.
Check out Tom’s alter ego at Berger and Burger.