Synopses & Reviews
Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful
— and very awkward
— hearing aid.
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear — sometimes things she shouldn't — but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.
Review
"A standout autobiography. Someone readers will enjoy getting to know." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"Worthy of a superhero." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"This empowering autobiographical story belongs right next to Raina Telgemeier's Smile and Liz Prince's Tomboy." Booklist
Synopsis
The beloved #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor winning graphic novel memoir from Cece Bell El Deafo is now streaming on Apple TV+. The Guardian called the animated series: "Sweet, funny, poignant and definitely not just for kids."
Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here, she's different. She's sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.
Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom but anywhere her teacher is in the school--in the hallway . . . in the teacher's lounge . . . in the bathroom This is power. Maybe even superpower Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different . . . and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?
Also Available: El Deafo: Superpowered Edition Get a special hardcover collector's edition of Cece Bell's beloved graphic novel with 40 bonus pages of childhood photographs, early sketches, notes from Cece, and much more
About the Author
Cece Bell has written and illustrated several books for children, including the Geisel Honor book Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover. She lives in Virginia with her husband, author Tom Angleberger.