I'm Reading Comeeks

Everyone should read El Deafo, a wonderful coming-of-age story.  

When Cece was four she becomes sick, the doctors find out she has meningitis.  After her stay in the hospital it becomes clear that she's lost her hearing.  Cece gets fitted for a hearing aide.  She wears a small case around her neck and has cords leading to her aides in her ears.

At first she spends time in class with other students who, like Cece, have a hearing loss and wear hearing aides.  She fits in!  

However, the next year she moves and goes to class where she is the only hearing impaired student.  This is tough.  She feels isolated and each time she tries to make friends there is something missing.  In order to hear better at school she's also fitted for an embarrassing and huge new hearing aide.

At the same time she discovers that she has an amazing superpower.  With her Phonic Ear, the bulky hearing aide she has to wear to school, she can hear her teacher anywhere in the school!  Even in the toilets!  But will she use the superpower for good?

Cece's coming-of-age story is both one of a kind, only she could have become El Deafo, but is also the universal story of trying to fit in, make friends and grow up.

I loved Bell's decision to portray her childhood with everyone's likeness in bunny form.  Very fun and great for the kids!

Kids (and adults) who have enjoyed Raina Telgemeier's autobio comics, Smile and Sisters would find Cece Bell's work right up their street.