Response to “El Deafo” by Cece Bell

APA Reference:  Bell, C. (2014). El Deafo. New York, NY: Amulet Books. Genre: Graphic Memoir, Middle Grade Usage: Ages 8–12, Grades 3–6

Personal Response El Deafo captured my attention immediately because it gives readers an honest window into the lived experience of navigating the world with a hearing difference. The experience of being marginalized. Cece Bell shares her story with humor and heart, using the superhero alter-ego "El Deafo" to process her feelings of standing out. As a Latino man who also grew up feeling different in school spaces where my language, family, or identity set me apart, I found myself relating to Cece's desire to fit in without losing herself. One of the most powerful moments for me was when Cece discovers that what she thought was a limitation actually gives her a unique strength as she is able to hear what no one else can through her Phonic Ear. This reminded me of the unique perspectives I carry and can offer the world, from my own cultural and personal experiences, even when they felt like barriers growing up. If I were reading this with students, I might ask, "Have you ever felt like you had a 'superpower' because of something that made you different?" or "What does it mean to be a true friend to someone who feels left out?" Critique Plot: The book follows Cece as she navigates school, friendships, and self-acceptance after losing her hearing. The plot is episodic but meaningful, showing both challenges and triumphs in relatable ways. Setting: Set in Cece's school and neighborhood in the 1970s, the setting feels authentic and accessible. The social situations Cece faces are timeless and resonate with readers today. Theme: Themes include disability awareness, friendship, fitting in, and self-acceptance. The book encourages readers to value what makes them unique and to see others with empathy. Style: The graphic novel format, with cartoon-style illustrations of rabbit characters, makes complex emotions accessible to young readers. The humor and visual storytelling add depth without overwhelming the reader. Point of View: Told from Cece's first-person perspective, the story allows readers to experience her internal dialogue and emotions. This helps build empathy and understanding. Lesson Sketch Proposed Lesson Title: Celebrating What Makes Us Unique: Lessons from "El Deafo" Relevant 5th Grade CA Common Core Standard: RL.5.6: Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.  Objective (ABCD Format): After reading selected chapters from El Deafo, students will be able to explain how Cece's point of view influences the way the story is told, using two examples from the text or illustrations. Standard-Aligned Lesson Activity: Students will create "Super Me" posters that highlight something about themselves that felt like a weakness but turned out to be a strength. They will write a short paragraph explaining how their perspective shapes their experiences, just like Cece's point of view shapes the story. Discussion Questions: How does Cece's point of view help us understand what it feels like to be different? What does "El Deafo" symbolize for Cece? What are some ways we can be more understanding of people with different abilities? Outside Resources: https://school.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=40736 – Author interviews and teaching resources for El Deafo https://www.nad.org/resources/ – National Association of the Deaf resources and educational materials  Disability Equality in Education – "We Are All Superheroes" Unit: A unit plan that uses El Deafo to explore empathy and inclusion