Deaf children relate to deaf character in El Deafo.

Deaf children have found a fictional character they can relate to in a graphic novel, El Deafo. The novel is an autobiography by deaf author Cece Bell. It shares her experiences in school wearing a Phonic Ear. The large, bulky assistive technology embarrasses her. But the technology helps her hear the teacher. And not only in the classroom, but also when the teacher goes to the bathroom! Deaf children who meet the author are often thrilled to share similar experiences. They feel a connection with the deaf character in El Deafo.

This news article published in School Library Journal in 2017. The web page is partly accessible for people using screen reading software, but with difficulty. Images, forms, links, and buttons do not use alternative tags to describe them for people who cannot see them.

People interested in El Deafo may also be interested in finding other deaf characters in children’s literature.