El Deafo: A Graphic Novel for Children That Even Adults Will Enjoy

Last year, I challenged myself to read at least one children’s book each month. While I struggled through some—I’m not exactly the intended audience—some of the books I’ve read are really spectacular. El Deafo by Cece Bell is the kind of book that a reader of any age can enjoy.

El Deafo

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! The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear–sometimes things she shouldn’t–but also isolates her from her classmates. After some trouble, Cece 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 a true friend.