Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—a book that manages to be funny, moving, and educational without ever feeling like medicine. Cece Bell takes her childhood experience of becoming deaf and turns it into something genuinely entertaining (the Phonic Ear eavesdropping scenes are gold) while also giving kids language for what it feels like to be different.

The graphic novel format is a huge win here. Kids who might bounce off a traditional chapter book will stick with this, and the visual storytelling makes abstract concepts (what does hearing loss actually feel like?) concrete and accessible. The rabbit characters add just enough whimsy without undermining the emotional truth.

What makes it exceptional is that it never preaches. Cece isn't a perfect hero—she's jealous, she makes mistakes, she struggles—and that's what makes her relatable. Kids with hearing loss get to see themselves as the protagonist; hearing kids get empathy-building that doesn't feel like homework. Win-win.

It's stayed relevant since 2014 (now even an Apple TV+ series) because the core story—finding where you belong, figuring out who your real friends are—is timeless. Highly recommend.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 6-12, especially kids navigating friendship drama, feeling different, or learning about disability. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for younger/reluctant readers while the emotional complexity keeps older elementary engaged. Also great for adults who work with kids or want to understand the deaf experience better.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Authentic, warm story about navigating friendship, difference, and belonging. Models realistic social struggles without being preachy—Cece experiences loneliness, embarrassment, and the messiness of finding real friends. The graphic novel format keeps pacing engaging, and the rabbit characters add gentle humor without undermining the emotional truth. No meanness for meanness' sake; conflicts feel age-appropriate and resolved with growth.

Imaginative

88

The superhero framing is genuinely clever—turning a hearing aid into a superpower (El Deafo can hear her teacher everywhere!) is both funny and empowering. The graphic novel format invites visual storytelling that makes abstract experiences (what hearing loss feels like, how the Phonic Ear works) concrete and accessible. Anthropomorphic rabbits create just enough distance for kids to see themselves without it feeling like a documentary. Encourages readers to reimagine difference as potential strength.

Safe

95

Extremely safe content. The book addresses meningitis and hearing loss matter-of-factly without traumatic detail. Social challenges (feeling left out, friend drama) are realistic but never cruel or triggering. No violence, inappropriate content, or scary elements. The biggest 'conflict' is internal—Cece's journey to self-acceptance—making this accessible even for sensitive readers. Common Sense Media parent reviews confirm it's gentle and appropriate.

Enriching

94

Newbery Honor winner that delivers genuine representation and empathy-building without feeling like homework. Kids with hearing loss get a hero who looks like them; hearing kids gain insight into an experience unlike their own. Tackles big themes—identity, friendship, belonging, disability pride—through specific, lived moments rather than lectures. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for reluctant readers and ELL students. High entertainment value (it's genuinely funny) paired with meaningful emotional growth.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Authentic representation that gives deaf/hard-of-hearing kids a hero and helps hearing kids understand a different experience
The superhero angle is legitimately clever—Cece can hear her teacher in the bathroom!—and makes the story fun instead of heavy
Graphic novel format makes it accessible for reluctant readers, visual learners, and ELL students while still delivering emotional depth
Tackles loneliness, friendship struggles, and self-acceptance with humor and honesty—no after-school-special vibes
Newbery Honor winner with a 4.7 Amazon rating and glowing parent reviews for good reason

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What to Watch For

Brief mention of meningitis causing hearing loss (handled matter-of-factly, not scary)
Realistic social struggles—Cece gets excluded, feels lonely, has friend drama—but nothing mean-spirited or traumatic
Some kids might need context about what the Phonic Ear is and how hearing aids work

Conversation Starters

"If you could have one superpower based on something that makes you different, what would it be?"
"Cece felt lonely even when she had friends who weren't quite right for her. What makes someone a 'true friend' to you?"
"Have you ever felt different from everyone else? What was that like?"
"Why do you think Cece drew everyone as rabbits instead of people?"
"If you met someone with a hearing aid or who was deaf, what would you want to know or understand better?"

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