El Deafo

Bell, C., & Lasky, D. (2014). El deafo. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 978-1-4197-1020-9

Plot Summary:

Cece Bell writes a graphic memoir about how she became deaf at 4 years old when she contracted meningitis.  Cece has to learn many things once her meningitis is cured. Once she starts school, she is able to attend a school with other deaf students where she feels normal and part of the group.  Her family has to move and she now has to attend a mainstream school. Being the “new kid” is already hard enough, having a huge hearing aid around your neck isn’t going to make the process any better.  The hardest part for her was feeling accepted and treated like a normal girl even though she is deaf and has to wear a hearing aid. Cece creates an alter ego who she names “El Deafo,” to help her cope with some of her issues with others.  

Analysis:

El Deafo is Bell’s first graphic novel as both author and illustrator.  In regards to the graphic novel layout, frames are used in varying sizes, and at times a whole page will be one frame.  Bell allows readers to read fast when Cece is thinking fast with more frames and small amount to text, and slow down when Cece’s thinking slows down by making a larger frame.  Bell includes narrator speaking in the form of small text boxes that start at the top left corner of frames, when included, these help the reader know a bit of what’s happening in the scene.  Speech is shown in all caps font style, when the speaker is yelling or being loud the font enlarges and at times is bolded for the emphasis, and remains in all caps. Bell used a variety of colors when illustrating the characters. Though the story is based on real event, she chose to use bunnies who act like people as the characters. While illustrating the backgrounds, Bell added just enough details so the reader would know and understand the setting & any changes within the frames/pages, without taking away from the graphic novel.  The point of view remains the same throughout the story and it is that of the reader being an observer of the story.  Cece and her story appeals to readers of all ages as she deals with her deafness, feeling accepted, relationships with others, and fitting in.

Review Excerpts:

Newbery Honor 2015

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly starred, July 07, 2014

Reviewed by Booklist, August 01, 2014 “Bell’s bold and blocky full-color cartoons perfectly complement her childhood stories—she often struggles to fit in and sometimes experiences bullying, but the cheerful illustrations promise a sunny future.”
Reviewed by School library journal, December 2014 “The trickiness of friendship feels so universal that at times, readers can almost forget this is a story about a deaf girl. The storytelling is seemingly simple and yet so powerful it will immediately engage an audience of middle-grade readers.”

Reviewed by New York Times August, 2014 “It takes a bit of an inner superhero to get along as someone “special” in a classroom full of “normal” kids. Bell’s book should be an inspiration for those who are “different,” and it should help others to understand just what being different means. Required reading isn’t always fun reading. “El Deafo” should be the first and is definitely the second.”

Reviewed by Kirkus, September 01, 2014. “Readers will empathize with Cece as she tries to find friends who aren’t bossy or inconsiderate, and they’ll rejoice with her when she finally does.”

Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (ages 8–12) 2015

Connections:

Cece Bell “El Deafo” Book Talk https://youtu.be/Cnj5STG0SZo

Counselor Corner-Great way to explain and show students that even though someone may be different, they are the same.  Compassion towards everyone at all times.