PLOT SUMMARY
At Cece’s old school, she was like all the other students. At her new school, she stands out as the only hearing-impaired student, especially with her phonic ear device strapped to her chest. But she learns something when her teacher leaves the classroom wearing the microphone…she has a superpower and can hear whatever her teacher is doing and saying! Can she make friends who will 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this autobiographical story about Bell and her experiences in elementary school. This book explores how being differently abled can be isolating and lonely and how people treat you in odd ways. The way the reader can see what Cece is thinking allows them to empathize with Cece’s troubles with how people treat her differences. Her alter-ego “El Deafo” was created to counter kids making fun of her and other stressful situations. Bell also explores “normal” childhood troubles, e.g., friendships, crushes, students vs. teachers, etc. Bell’s color illustrations in this graphic novel are adorable with all the “people” represented by rabbits are a wonderful vehicle for showing emotion throughout the book. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2014 Newbery Medal Winner
HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “This memoir is thus exceptionally informative and entertaining in relation to some aspects of deaf communication, but, most centrally and powerfully, it is exceptional for its perceptive, indomitable protagonist and complex story of friendship, growth, and classroom and family dynamics.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Her whimsical color illustrations (all the human characters have rabbit ears and faces), clear explanations and Cece’s often funny adventures help make the memoir accessible and entertaining.”

CONNECTIONS
*Have students explore the unique ways we are all different but also ways in which we are alike.
*Have students experience what it is like to have an impaired ability.
*Look for these other stories of differently abled children:
Sumner, J. ROLL WITH IT. Athenium Books for Young Readers, 2020. ISBN 978-1534442566
Patterson, J. & Grabenstein, C. JACKIE HA-HA: A GRAPHIC NOVEL. Adapted by Rau, A. Ill. by Tang, C. Jimmy Patterson, 2020. ISBN 978-0316491952