CHICK AND BRAIN: SMELL MY FOOT got a Geisel Honor in late January! I am pleased as punch and very grateful to all the librarians of the American Library Association, especially those on this year’s Geisel Committee. Many thanks to them, and to all the folks who take the time to read my books!
Jane, in the children’s library, said that you had posted my picture (“kind fellow” OCCUPY) on your web-site and she printed your latest pages for me. The sign now reads:
OCCUPY
ALMOST
HEAVEN WV
I need to say it again, it was my pleasure to meet you.
best regards,
John
Oh, how wonderful! Talking to you was one of the real highlights of my trip to Martinsburg. I love the words on your updated sign! Perfect. It is fantastic to know your name… I am terrible about remembering to ask people for their names. Still swooning over that Wyeth painting. Thanks again for letting me know about it. Keep on occupyin’!
Cece, I am a VCD student at Kent State University. Being a first time Adobe after effects user this semester one of our assignments was to create a title sequence for a children’s book. I chose Itty Bitty. I wanted to share my interpretation of your amazing work.
Hello Cece Bell,
I’m from Origami Yoda. I have met your husband, Tom Angleberger and read the OY series. AWESOME AWESOME job on the Fortune Wookiee and Han Foldo!! Check out my blog princessellaorigami.wordpress.com and my brother’s camsterorigami.wordpress.com AND my friend’s jesseniaorigami.wordpress.com! 🙂
Hello! I’m also from OY lol. Ella told you about my site. Thanks for checking it out! I didn’t even know I was reading ur sock monkey books till about a month ago! They are so “stooky”! Haha! Keep on the great work! 😀
Hi, Im Ava, I’m 9 years old and I have a hearing loss. I am in 3rd grade. I read El Deafo and Cece’s journey is just like mine. El Dafo is my favorite book since I’ve read it. I like it so much,that my mom said we can order it on amazon.
Hi Ava! Thank you so much for writing. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book as much as you did! It’s so cool to find out that there are kids today that are just like I was then. Please thank your mom for ordering the book. That means a lot! Good luck in everything you do. I know you are and will be awesome in everything you do.
Hi, Cece! I was in the children’s section of the library with my 5-year-old daughter yesterday, and while she was picking out books I happened to notice “El Deafo.” As someone who grew up with (and still has) severe hearing loss, I of course had to check the book out. I’m only a few chapters in, but I wanted to write and thank you for writing the book. I was weeping as I read it because I could so identify with that child. I went to regular school (instead of the state deaf school as the audiologist recommended) but never got a hearing aid until I was 29. (I never got a really good, high-end one until a few months ago, and wow, what a difference!) I should have had a hearing aid like yours when I was a kid (I think you and I are about the same age (I’m 44)), but I didn’t want to look weird, and for whatever reason my parents didn’t push me to get one.
Anyway, I’m glad to have discovered you and your work, and I look forward to reading your books with my daughter!
I’m going to second Joy Corcoran’s hope that you come to Portland, OR sometime! We are down the road a little in Salem, but there are lots of kids and teachers who would LOVE to hear more about El Deafo and your process in writing. El Deafo has really struck a chord for kids who are dealing with all that comes with a hearing loss in a mainstream school. A visit Powell’s Books in PDX should be included also! It’s an amazing bookstore. http://www.powells.com
Thank you so much, Alison! If I get myself to Portland, I’ll try to come and see you, too. I’m beyond thrilled that the book is resonating with the kids who are today dealing with hearing loss in mainstream schools. The technology has changed, but the feelings haven’t! Thanks again for writing. Much appreciated.
I just finished reading, “El Deafo,” and truly appreciate how well you explain what it’s like to be hard of hearing as compared to totally deaf. I had a 30% hearing loss as a result of a high fever when I was three, and I imagine it’s a lot worse now that I’m 50. Your story is truly outstanding.
Deb
Thank you so much, Deb! I am always relieved to find out from other people with a similar experience to mine that I captured some of the feeling correctly. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! Have a wonderful holiday, and thank you again for writing. Means a lot.
Just thought I’d share my “grandmother makes pies” story. I was five and getting ready to eat some apple slices for snack time in preschool. I heard the teacher say, “No apples on the table.” Even as a five year old, I thought that was a little silly, but picked up my apples nonetheless. In doing so, I got my elbows (which I had heard as ‘apples’) off of the table and made the teacher happy. It was many, many years later after my hearing loss had been diagnosed that I finally figured out what the teacher had actually said.
P.S. Many thanks for the subtitles on your YouTube video! Subtitles are the best!
I love that! Get your apples off the table! That’s hilarious. I was so happy about those subtitles. My husband figured out how to do them and did all the typing and stuff. He’s a sweetie. Hope your holidays are delightful!
Hi Cece! My daughter is 6 and has very slight hearing loss and needs hearing aids at school. Her speech therapist shared El Deafo with her and she is addicted to it. She walks in the door with the book, sits down and reads the book with her hat, coat, shoes and gloves on. She loves the book! And, yesterday we heard you on NPR. I told her the author of El Deafo was on the radio and she said, “Cece’s on the radio? Cool.”
It’s just amazing how she has connected to the book and she talks about it all the time! So thank you. And, when I read your bio I see you grew up in Salem. My grandmother worked at that Pharmacy (I think it used to be Powell’s). My family is all from Roanoke and Salem and I used to know Salem well – it’s a small world. Thanks again for the fantastic book – you’re really making a difference!
Hi Cece — my daughter is 8, and just finished El Deafo. She loved it and says it is her favorite graphic novel, alongside of Reina Telgemeier’s *Smile.* She has no hearing loss, nor does she know anyone with hearing loss right now, but the book struck a chord with her and she is rereading it and reciting parts of it all day. Just thought you should know!
Hi! Thanks so much for writing. I’m really pleased to hear that your daughter has enjoyed the book so much. That’s awesome! And isn’t SMILE the greatest? Thanks again for your note. Please tell your daughter hi for me!
Cece, I am so happy for you about the Newberry Honor Award. Who knew that Granny Bell’s Miss Bunn and specially made overalls would be part of your story that is meaningful to so many throughout the world decades later? Mrs. Claus is honored to have been blessed by knowing and learning from you both. 😘 xoxoxoxo
Sonora
My 10 year-old daughter is on her SECOND reading of this book! Her favorite part is when you get the powerful hearing aids and can hear the teacher peeing. But I think she is re-reading the book because of the theme of friendship. She really relates to your search for a real & true friend. Thanks for being an inspiring book hero–and unlike Harry Potter, a real one!
Hi Ann! Thanks for your nice note. I am so glad that your daughter is enjoying the book so much. But wait—Harry Potter isn’t real??? I’m devastated! Just kidding…please tell your daughter hi for me, and thank her for reading. All the best to you!
Hello Cece! I am currently reading “El Deafo” in my one of my college courses. I’m from Rhode Island and attend Rhode Island College. We are learning how to teach reading and Language Arts in elementary classrooms, so we are using your book to practice how to teach a shared reading lesson by doing it ourselves. My classmates and I are enjoying it so much! We were wondering what gave you the inspiration to write it, and also if the technology has changed over the years (like if children still where phonic ears or if there are new devices). Thank you so much!
Hey Tayla! I was inspired to write the book after I read Raina Telgemeier’s autobiographical graphic novel, SMILE (which you should totally check out). I realized then that speech balloons would be the perfect way for me to show readers the kinds of things I heard (and didn’t hear) as a deaf kid wearing hearing aids. (And now I’m a deaf adult wearing hearing aids!) The technology has changed enormously. A lot of kids have behind-the-ear hearing aids, or are getting cochlear implants, which are often much better than hearing aids. And those kids who use an FM system like the Phonic Ear from the book are able to use their small, behind-the-ear aids (or their cochlear implant equipment) to “hook up” to a much smaller microphone that their teacher wears. I hope that answers your question. You could probably google “hearing aid evolution” or something like that to get a more detailed answer to this question. Thanks so much for reading the book and for using it to practice teaching! Best to you!
Dear Cece, Hello from Harlem, New York! I just wanted to tell you how much you’ve inspired our 6-year-old daughter. She loved “Rabbit and Robot…” and “El Deafo” is the first book she’s ever sat and read independently. She’s painted your portrait in art class and put you on her “favorite people” poster, next to Taylor Swift and her first grade teacher. Thank you so much! We can’t wait to discover more of your work.
Gracious! Right up there with the one and only TAYLOR SWIFT!?!? AND her one and only FIRST GRADE TEACHER!?!?! I’m honored! I’d love to see that portrait. Please tell your daughter hello from me, and also thank her for thinking of me so highly. I certainly think the world of her. Best to you both!
i just wanted to say i love your books they are so good it was fun to read because i have hearing aids and im only 11 i just thought it was really neat how hearing aid whear back when you wear a kid 🙂
Hi Olivia! Thanks so much for your note! I’m thrilled that you enjoy my books. I still wear hearing aids today, and I bet they are a lot like yours. Luckily, I don’t have to lug the big Phonic Ear around anymore! But it DID do me a lot of good when I was growing up. Keep on reading! xoxo!
i just finished “el deafo” & i thought it was sooooo great! i’m in my fifties & not deaf but it resonated with me nevertheless because it reminded me of the trouble i had when i had to get glasses in the fourth grade & suffered from bullying.
you really did a terrific job with this book! i enjoyed your “voice” – i write children’s plays & you certainly captured a child’s pov perfectly. the art work was lots of fun. i wonder if you drew the characters with the “bunny ears” specifically you wanted to further accentuate the theme of hearing loss?
thanks for sharing your story with us. i like to think you’ve planted a little seed of a heroic “el deafo” in everyone who reads it!
best of luck in the future. i look forward to reading more of your books.
Steph, thank you so much for your kind note! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book; thank you for taking the time to read it. Many good wishes to you and yours! xoxox!
Hi! My name is Ashlin. I’m 11 years old. I’m deaf also. I have cochlear implants on both sides. My mom works for a organization called Hand & Vocies. I read your book and it was so good! It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world of people. At first I felt like I was the only deaf person in my school. But then ALL my friends read over and over! My mom and I thought that your book was a HUGE success for us and my friends! I like how you made friends even though you were deaf.
I am so thrilled that you read my book and that you enjoyed it so much. I am even more thrilled that you feel like it’s helped you navigate your way through school and friendships. That’s just the absolute best. It’s cool that your friends are reading the book, too. I hope reading it has given them some understanding of how things might be for you.
Please tell your mom hi for me. She sounds supercool—as do you!
All my best, and thank you again for reading the book AND for writing to me.
WOW! Thank so much for your amazing post and for sharing some of your own experiences with deafness. You’ve hit the nail on the head! It shows me how lucky I was to have an early diagnosis and to have the hearing aid and microphone to help me through my school years. You’re clearly a superhero—-look how far you’ve come! I love the details in your writing–just perfect. Thanks so much for reading my book and for writing to me. Means a lot. xoxoxo!
Hi Cece,
We just chose El Deafo as our Education Department Common Read for next fall–every graduate and undergraduate student in our courses will be reading it. Any chance you’d like to come to Vermont to see the fall foliage?
Valerie
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much for your note and for choosing my book as the common read for your students. Good gravy, what an honor! I sincerely wish I could come to VT and see the amazing fall foliage, but work and family prevent me from doing so. That doesn’t negate the fact that I am truly honored by your choice. I hope the students will enjoy it. Send them my love! xoxo!
Cece! My name is Shayna Monnens and I am a Youth Services Librarian in Spearfish, SD. I also serve as the Secretary for the South Dakota Young Adult Reading Program (aka. YARP – we love our name), and I am reaching out to you to inform you that ‘El Deafo’ was chosen by our state’s middle school teens as their favorite book for this school year!
YAY you!!
Each year, a committee of around 25 Youth and Teen Librarians who not only love YA literature but also enjoy sharing the books with teens, read hundreds of books and select the very best (12 for High Schools and 12 for Middle Schools). These books are then presented and book-talked to thousands of teens around the state. ‘El Deafo’ was an instant hit, with teens requesting the title and (not-so-patiently) waiting for their turn to read your book.
It is our sincerest hope that you are as thrilled as we are that you are our winner! Congratulations again!
WOWEE! Thank you SO MUCH! I love SD…long live the Corn Palace! And Wall Drug! Two places I remember so fondly from my trip with my husband Tom way back in 1992… Anyway, getting ready to send you a longer email, but THANK YOU again! xoxo!
Hi Cece!
My name is Sarah and I am in 6th grade at Bancroft School. We are doing a memoir project and I chose your amazing book El Deafo. I loved it SOOOO much. I love how she thinks of herself as a superhero. What books are you writing next? This is amazing and I think that everybody should read this book when they are sad.
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for your note. I am super-flattered that you are doing a memoir project on me and El Deafo. That means a lot! Right now I am working on a chapter book and I’m doing illustrations for books that my husband, Tom Angleberger, has written. I hope to do a second El Deafo one of these days, if I can get my head screwed on right! (It might be a while, in other words, ha ha!) Good luck with the project! xoxo Cece
PS I loved your line “I think that everybody should read this book when they are sad” — that is some of the highest praise the book has received. Thank you.
Hi Cece I love your book, El Deafo. I think it shows deaf people they are more than just deaf they could be “heroes”. From your book people can learn not to judge people from the outside but from the inside. Honestly I think it’s really cool that you have hearing aids. So I have a couple of questions. Why did you want the main character to be a bunny and is that whole story true? Please get back to me thanks!
Hi Leah! Thanks for writing to me and thanks for reading the book. It sounds like you got a lot out of it, and I’m so happy about that!
So, the main character is a bunny because I wanted to show what it felt like to be the only deaf kid in my elementary school. I needed a good visual metaphor, and rabbits, with their big ears and amazing hearing, were perfect for that. Essentially, I felt like the only rabbit whose big ears didn’t work—I had the ears for show, but little else. Also, drawing the cords of the hearing aid so that they went above my head into rabbit ears (as opposed to having them go into my actual ears) perfectly captures how conspicuous I felt as a kid.
And yes, the whole story is true! (But true as based on my kid point-of-view, if you know what I mean…)
My name is Andrea Battram and I loved reading your book. I wrote a poem base on your book that I put down below. I really hope you enjoy this.
I can hear just fine
I can hear just fine, so no need for the volume to be SO LOUD. I don’t need volume, I need the subtitles. Don’t even think
Tal-lk-ing.
Lik-ke
a-a.
Bro-o-ken.
Do-o-wn.
Ro-o-bot.
Helps me one little bit.
Dear Cece Bell,
I’ve just finished reading your book. I’m glad I found it. It helped me feel better about myself.
Like you, I am deaf, or hard of hearing. I have hearing aids too, however I did not need to wear a Phonic Ear, I just wear a different kind of hearing aids. The only true difference however, I was born deaf.
I always felt left out. I had to keep asking for help understanding something, kept asking for a person to repeat something so much, was soooo slow in progressing the words together, and still did not fully understand my teacher even with her microphone.
It was good to read your book. It showed me, no- reminded me, that I am not alone in the world. However, I am a bit shy. I don’t have much friends; I’m always afraid of them getting to agitated to like me anymore all the time. And it is so embarrassing to keep asking a new person what they said!
Thank you. With El Deafo, I have a new way to view my problem; like it’s not a punishment but rather a blessing.
Many thanks from-
Tori, Fan and Hard of hearing.
Dear Cece Bell,
Thanks to your book, El Deafo, I have been reminded that I am NOT alone in this world.
I am a 12 year old girl (nearly 13!) that, like you, is deaf, or hard of hearing. I too get a school set; however it’s one of those in your ears and not like the Phonic Ear. The only true difference however, is I was born deaf.
It’s hard. I have to ask for help, ask people to repeat what they said again so much, take a while to process the words together, and sometimes I still can’t hear the teacher with her microphone! It’s also lonely. Not a lot of people understand what we go through.
Thank you. Your book reminded me that I’m not the only one that goes through this. It has also taught me a lesson, a different point of view; I used to think it was a punishment. Now I can see it as a blessing from God. Thank you.
Many thanks-
Tori, fellow hard of hearing and fan
Hi Tori,
Thank you so much for your amazing and heartfelt letter. Just as you are reminded that you’re not the only one going through stuff like this, letters like yours remind me that I’m not the only one going through stuff like this, either!
I so appreciate you reading my book and I’m thrilled that the book resonated with you. I will say that the fact that you were born deaf has probably made certain things even more difficult for you than they were/are for me, so huge kudos to you!
You’re right about the loneliness part. That part is a constant, even as an adult. However, you will find (and I hope you’re finding now) good friends who stick by you and make life so much less lonely, and so much more fun. There are good people everywhere, and I hope you meet more than a few!
I do hope you can continue to see your deafness as a gift…it’s certainly not a punishment, even though it’s hard sometimes. Thank you so much for writing and especially for reading my book. I hope you have a wonderful summer…and even more than that, many, many wonderful experiences to come! All my best to you! xoxo!
My daughter was so excited to b El Deafo in her school storybook parade this morning! She would very much like for you to see a picture but I can’t seem to put one in this comment. I’ll keep trying.
Hi Cenaria! Thanks for reading the book and for your great question! The most challenging part for me, other than the drawing, was the chapter about sign language. It was tough being honest about the negative feelings I had about sign language when I was a kid (and thankfully, I don’t feel like that now!). Have a great summer! xoxo and thanks for writing!
Hi, Cece! My name is Amalie I have read El Deafo 5 times already. I loved it so much. I was hoping you could let me know if you are going to wright another book about your childhood. Thank you,
Your fan,
Amalie.
Thanks for your note–and thank you for reading El Deafo a whopping 5 times! I am not sure if I will do another book about my childhood, but in a way, ALL my books are about my childhood. Kinda. Sorta! Thanks again for reading! xoxo!
I am a children's book author and illustrator, and, quite possibly, a hermit. I eat nuts, avoid nits and gnats, and make lovely nets out of knots.
My books include Newbery Honor and Eisner Award-winning, EL DEAFO, I YAM A DONKEY, CHUCK AND WOODCHUCK, the INSPECTOR FLYTRAP series (with Tom Angleberger), RABBIT & ROBOT: THE SLEEPOVER, RABBIT & ROBOT AND RIBBIT, CRANKEE DOODLE (with Tom Angleberger), BUG PATROL (with Denise Mortensen), ITTY BITTY, BEE-WIGGED, two chunky board books, and the SOCK MONKEY series.
School Visits and Skype visits
I am not scheduling any school visits or Skype visits at the moment.
Thanks so much for your support and understanding!
Cece Bell 
Jane, in the children’s library, said that you had posted my picture (“kind fellow” OCCUPY) on your web-site and she printed your latest pages for me. The sign now reads:
OCCUPY
ALMOST
HEAVEN WV
I need to say it again, it was my pleasure to meet you.
best regards,
John
Oh, how wonderful! Talking to you was one of the real highlights of my trip to Martinsburg. I love the words on your updated sign! Perfect. It is fantastic to know your name… I am terrible about remembering to ask people for their names. Still swooning over that Wyeth painting. Thanks again for letting me know about it. Keep on occupyin’!
Cece, I am a VCD student at Kent State University. Being a first time Adobe after effects user this semester one of our assignments was to create a title sequence for a children’s book. I chose Itty Bitty. I wanted to share my interpretation of your amazing work.
copy the link and check it out as you please!
Hey, that’s great!!! Thanks so much for choosing to do my book for your assignment. Means a lot! Maybe I will meet you when I come to Kent this week!
Hello Cece Bell,
I’m from Origami Yoda. I have met your husband, Tom Angleberger and read the OY series. AWESOME AWESOME job on the Fortune Wookiee and Han Foldo!! Check out my blog princessellaorigami.wordpress.com and my brother’s camsterorigami.wordpress.com AND my friend’s jesseniaorigami.wordpress.com! 🙂
Thanks,
Ella
Hi sfprincessella! Thanks for your note. All of your sites are awesome! Keep on folding. I know Tom loves it, and I do, too. Have a great week!
Thank YOU!! You too! 🙂
Hello! I’m also from OY lol. Ella told you about my site. Thanks for checking it out! I didn’t even know I was reading ur sock monkey books till about a month ago! They are so “stooky”! Haha! Keep on the great work! 😀
Glad you think the books are stooky! High praise, indeed. Thanks for reading and for being swell OY fans as well.
Hey I am also from OY and I think all your books are stooktacular! 😀 😀 🌯
Thanks, generalcreases! Good pun, by the way…
Hi, Im Ava, I’m 9 years old and I have a hearing loss. I am in 3rd grade. I read El Deafo and Cece’s journey is just like mine. El Dafo is my favorite book since I’ve read it. I like it so much,that my mom said we can order it on amazon.
Hi Ava! Thank you so much for writing. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book as much as you did! It’s so cool to find out that there are kids today that are just like I was then. Please thank your mom for ordering the book. That means a lot! Good luck in everything you do. I know you are and will be awesome in everything you do.
Hi, Cece! I was in the children’s section of the library with my 5-year-old daughter yesterday, and while she was picking out books I happened to notice “El Deafo.” As someone who grew up with (and still has) severe hearing loss, I of course had to check the book out. I’m only a few chapters in, but I wanted to write and thank you for writing the book. I was weeping as I read it because I could so identify with that child. I went to regular school (instead of the state deaf school as the audiologist recommended) but never got a hearing aid until I was 29. (I never got a really good, high-end one until a few months ago, and wow, what a difference!) I should have had a hearing aid like yours when I was a kid (I think you and I are about the same age (I’m 44)), but I didn’t want to look weird, and for whatever reason my parents didn’t push me to get one.
Anyway, I’m glad to have discovered you and your work, and I look forward to reading your books with my daughter!
Hi, just wondering if my comment ever got moderated!
Hi Nina! I’m not sure I ever got your original comment. Forgive me! Can you re-send, if it’s not an inconvenience for you? Thank you!!
I just reviewed your wonderful book on my blog, it you’d like to see it. I’m leaving the link here in the comments because I can’t find an email address for you. Thanks for writing such an amazing book: http://www.joycorcoran.com/2014/11/its-bunny-life-el-deafo-by-cece-bell.html
Thanks so much for that wonderful review, Joy! Very much appreciated.
Thanks for the wonderful book. Please make sure you let me know of any new books coming out. I also hope you come to Portland OR sometimes!
You are so welcome! I would love to come to Portland…we shall have to see! Thank you again for the positive vibes. So much appreciated.
I’m going to second Joy Corcoran’s hope that you come to Portland, OR sometime! We are down the road a little in Salem, but there are lots of kids and teachers who would LOVE to hear more about El Deafo and your process in writing. El Deafo has really struck a chord for kids who are dealing with all that comes with a hearing loss in a mainstream school. A visit Powell’s Books in PDX should be included also! It’s an amazing bookstore. http://www.powells.com
Thank you so much, Alison! If I get myself to Portland, I’ll try to come and see you, too. I’m beyond thrilled that the book is resonating with the kids who are today dealing with hearing loss in mainstream schools. The technology has changed, but the feelings haven’t! Thanks again for writing. Much appreciated.
I just finished reading, “El Deafo,” and truly appreciate how well you explain what it’s like to be hard of hearing as compared to totally deaf. I had a 30% hearing loss as a result of a high fever when I was three, and I imagine it’s a lot worse now that I’m 50. Your story is truly outstanding.
Deb
Thank you so much, Deb! I am always relieved to find out from other people with a similar experience to mine that I captured some of the feeling correctly. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! Have a wonderful holiday, and thank you again for writing. Means a lot.
Just thought I’d share my “grandmother makes pies” story. I was five and getting ready to eat some apple slices for snack time in preschool. I heard the teacher say, “No apples on the table.” Even as a five year old, I thought that was a little silly, but picked up my apples nonetheless. In doing so, I got my elbows (which I had heard as ‘apples’) off of the table and made the teacher happy. It was many, many years later after my hearing loss had been diagnosed that I finally figured out what the teacher had actually said.
P.S. Many thanks for the subtitles on your YouTube video! Subtitles are the best!
I love that! Get your apples off the table! That’s hilarious. I was so happy about those subtitles. My husband figured out how to do them and did all the typing and stuff. He’s a sweetie. Hope your holidays are delightful!
Hi Cece! My daughter is 6 and has very slight hearing loss and needs hearing aids at school. Her speech therapist shared El Deafo with her and she is addicted to it. She walks in the door with the book, sits down and reads the book with her hat, coat, shoes and gloves on. She loves the book! And, yesterday we heard you on NPR. I told her the author of El Deafo was on the radio and she said, “Cece’s on the radio? Cool.”
It’s just amazing how she has connected to the book and she talks about it all the time! So thank you. And, when I read your bio I see you grew up in Salem. My grandmother worked at that Pharmacy (I think it used to be Powell’s). My family is all from Roanoke and Salem and I used to know Salem well – it’s a small world. Thanks again for the fantastic book – you’re really making a difference!
Thanks for your awesome note! Email to follow…
Hi Cece — my daughter is 8, and just finished El Deafo. She loved it and says it is her favorite graphic novel, alongside of Reina Telgemeier’s *Smile.* She has no hearing loss, nor does she know anyone with hearing loss right now, but the book struck a chord with her and she is rereading it and reciting parts of it all day. Just thought you should know!
Hi! Thanks so much for writing. I’m really pleased to hear that your daughter has enjoyed the book so much. That’s awesome! And isn’t SMILE the greatest? Thanks again for your note. Please tell your daughter hi for me!
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEWBERY HONOR!! I just read El Deafo this weekend and LOVE LOVE LOVED it! What a phenomenal surprise! 🙂
Thank you so very much!
Congratulations on “El Deafo” being named a Newbery Honor Book! How exciting! This book deserves every award out there–it’s just fantastic.
Thank you a zillion times over!
Cece, I am so happy for you about the Newberry Honor Award. Who knew that Granny Bell’s Miss Bunn and specially made overalls would be part of your story that is meaningful to so many throughout the world decades later? Mrs. Claus is honored to have been blessed by knowing and learning from you both. 😘 xoxoxoxo
Sonora
Sonora, thank you! I DO wish Granny Bell could see this moment! Thanks for all your positive energy…you’re the best. Xoxo!
She knows; in fact she was so wise she KNEW you were/are special and would be highly successful long before you even thought about it!!!
Hi Cece,
My 10 year-old daughter is on her SECOND reading of this book! Her favorite part is when you get the powerful hearing aids and can hear the teacher peeing. But I think she is re-reading the book because of the theme of friendship. She really relates to your search for a real & true friend. Thanks for being an inspiring book hero–and unlike Harry Potter, a real one!
Ann
Hi Ann! Thanks for your nice note. I am so glad that your daughter is enjoying the book so much. But wait—Harry Potter isn’t real??? I’m devastated! Just kidding…please tell your daughter hi for me, and thank her for reading. All the best to you!
This book was very inspiring for me! I read it and it was great! I could imagine how you felt
Thanks, Robbie! So glad you enjoyed it.
Hello Cece! I am currently reading “El Deafo” in my one of my college courses. I’m from Rhode Island and attend Rhode Island College. We are learning how to teach reading and Language Arts in elementary classrooms, so we are using your book to practice how to teach a shared reading lesson by doing it ourselves. My classmates and I are enjoying it so much! We were wondering what gave you the inspiration to write it, and also if the technology has changed over the years (like if children still where phonic ears or if there are new devices). Thank you so much!
All the best,
Tayla
Hey Tayla! I was inspired to write the book after I read Raina Telgemeier’s autobiographical graphic novel, SMILE (which you should totally check out). I realized then that speech balloons would be the perfect way for me to show readers the kinds of things I heard (and didn’t hear) as a deaf kid wearing hearing aids. (And now I’m a deaf adult wearing hearing aids!) The technology has changed enormously. A lot of kids have behind-the-ear hearing aids, or are getting cochlear implants, which are often much better than hearing aids. And those kids who use an FM system like the Phonic Ear from the book are able to use their small, behind-the-ear aids (or their cochlear implant equipment) to “hook up” to a much smaller microphone that their teacher wears. I hope that answers your question. You could probably google “hearing aid evolution” or something like that to get a more detailed answer to this question. Thanks so much for reading the book and for using it to practice teaching! Best to you!
Dear Cece, Hello from Harlem, New York! I just wanted to tell you how much you’ve inspired our 6-year-old daughter. She loved “Rabbit and Robot…” and “El Deafo” is the first book she’s ever sat and read independently. She’s painted your portrait in art class and put you on her “favorite people” poster, next to Taylor Swift and her first grade teacher. Thank you so much! We can’t wait to discover more of your work.
Gracious! Right up there with the one and only TAYLOR SWIFT!?!? AND her one and only FIRST GRADE TEACHER!?!?! I’m honored! I’d love to see that portrait. Please tell your daughter hello from me, and also thank her for thinking of me so highly. I certainly think the world of her. Best to you both!
i just wanted to say i love your books they are so good it was fun to read because i have hearing aids and im only 11 i just thought it was really neat how hearing aid whear back when you wear a kid 🙂
Hi Olivia! Thanks so much for your note! I’m thrilled that you enjoy my books. I still wear hearing aids today, and I bet they are a lot like yours. Luckily, I don’t have to lug the big Phonic Ear around anymore! But it DID do me a lot of good when I was growing up. Keep on reading! xoxo!
hello, cece!
i just finished “el deafo” & i thought it was sooooo great! i’m in my fifties & not deaf but it resonated with me nevertheless because it reminded me of the trouble i had when i had to get glasses in the fourth grade & suffered from bullying.
you really did a terrific job with this book! i enjoyed your “voice” – i write children’s plays & you certainly captured a child’s pov perfectly. the art work was lots of fun. i wonder if you drew the characters with the “bunny ears” specifically you wanted to further accentuate the theme of hearing loss?
thanks for sharing your story with us. i like to think you’ve planted a little seed of a heroic “el deafo” in everyone who reads it!
best of luck in the future. i look forward to reading more of your books.
steph
Steph, thank you so much for your kind note! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book; thank you for taking the time to read it. Many good wishes to you and yours! xoxox!
Hi! My name is Ashlin. I’m 11 years old. I’m deaf also. I have cochlear implants on both sides. My mom works for a organization called Hand & Vocies. I read your book and it was so good! It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world of people. At first I felt like I was the only deaf person in my school. But then ALL my friends read over and over! My mom and I thought that your book was a HUGE success for us and my friends! I like how you made friends even though you were deaf.
Hi Ashlin!
Thank you so much for your kind note!
I am so thrilled that you read my book and that you enjoyed it so much. I am even more thrilled that you feel like it’s helped you navigate your way through school and friendships. That’s just the absolute best. It’s cool that your friends are reading the book, too. I hope reading it has given them some understanding of how things might be for you.
Please tell your mom hi for me. She sounds supercool—as do you!
All my best, and thank you again for reading the book AND for writing to me.
XOXOX! Cece
I read El Deafo and I really liked it. It is on my school reading list and I am glad.
Thanks for reading it, Kata! I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
Hey Cece! I’ve recently posted an article on your fantastic graphic novel El Deafo.. If you are curious click here.. http://theaspiringcaffeinatedlibrarian.com/2015/10/16/graphic-silence/…I love your work!
WOW! Thank so much for your amazing post and for sharing some of your own experiences with deafness. You’ve hit the nail on the head! It shows me how lucky I was to have an early diagnosis and to have the hearing aid and microphone to help me through my school years. You’re clearly a superhero—-look how far you’ve come! I love the details in your writing–just perfect. Thanks so much for reading my book and for writing to me. Means a lot. xoxoxo!
Hi Cece,
We just chose El Deafo as our Education Department Common Read for next fall–every graduate and undergraduate student in our courses will be reading it. Any chance you’d like to come to Vermont to see the fall foliage?
Valerie
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much for your note and for choosing my book as the common read for your students. Good gravy, what an honor! I sincerely wish I could come to VT and see the amazing fall foliage, but work and family prevent me from doing so. That doesn’t negate the fact that I am truly honored by your choice. I hope the students will enjoy it. Send them my love! xoxo!
Cece! My name is Shayna Monnens and I am a Youth Services Librarian in Spearfish, SD. I also serve as the Secretary for the South Dakota Young Adult Reading Program (aka. YARP – we love our name), and I am reaching out to you to inform you that ‘El Deafo’ was chosen by our state’s middle school teens as their favorite book for this school year!
YAY you!!
Each year, a committee of around 25 Youth and Teen Librarians who not only love YA literature but also enjoy sharing the books with teens, read hundreds of books and select the very best (12 for High Schools and 12 for Middle Schools). These books are then presented and book-talked to thousands of teens around the state. ‘El Deafo’ was an instant hit, with teens requesting the title and (not-so-patiently) waiting for their turn to read your book.
It is our sincerest hope that you are as thrilled as we are that you are our winner! Congratulations again!
If you are at all curious about YARP and want to peek around, here is our website: http://library.sd.gov/LIB/YAS/yarp/index.aspx#.Vwv-o5wrIdU
Have a wonderful rest of your day and happy National Library Week!
Shayna
WOWEE! Thank you SO MUCH! I love SD…long live the Corn Palace! And Wall Drug! Two places I remember so fondly from my trip with my husband Tom way back in 1992… Anyway, getting ready to send you a longer email, but THANK YOU again! xoxo!
Hi Cece!
My name is Sarah and I am in 6th grade at Bancroft School. We are doing a memoir project and I chose your amazing book El Deafo. I loved it SOOOO much. I love how she thinks of herself as a superhero. What books are you writing next? This is amazing and I think that everybody should read this book when they are sad.
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for your note. I am super-flattered that you are doing a memoir project on me and El Deafo. That means a lot! Right now I am working on a chapter book and I’m doing illustrations for books that my husband, Tom Angleberger, has written. I hope to do a second El Deafo one of these days, if I can get my head screwed on right! (It might be a while, in other words, ha ha!) Good luck with the project! xoxo Cece
PS I loved your line “I think that everybody should read this book when they are sad” — that is some of the highest praise the book has received. Thank you.
Hi Cece I love your book, El Deafo. I think it shows deaf people they are more than just deaf they could be “heroes”. From your book people can learn not to judge people from the outside but from the inside. Honestly I think it’s really cool that you have hearing aids. So I have a couple of questions. Why did you want the main character to be a bunny and is that whole story true? Please get back to me thanks!
Hi Leah! Thanks for writing to me and thanks for reading the book. It sounds like you got a lot out of it, and I’m so happy about that!
So, the main character is a bunny because I wanted to show what it felt like to be the only deaf kid in my elementary school. I needed a good visual metaphor, and rabbits, with their big ears and amazing hearing, were perfect for that. Essentially, I felt like the only rabbit whose big ears didn’t work—I had the ears for show, but little else. Also, drawing the cords of the hearing aid so that they went above my head into rabbit ears (as opposed to having them go into my actual ears) perfectly captures how conspicuous I felt as a kid.
And yes, the whole story is true! (But true as based on my kid point-of-view, if you know what I mean…)
Happy reading, and have a great summer!
Hi Ms. Bell,
My name is Andrea Battram and I loved reading your book. I wrote a poem base on your book that I put down below. I really hope you enjoy this.
I can hear just fine
I can hear just fine, so no need for the volume to be SO LOUD. I don’t need volume, I need the subtitles. Don’t even think
Tal-lk-ing.
Lik-ke
a-a.
Bro-o-ken.
Do-o-wn.
Ro-o-bot.
Helps me one little bit.
Cool poem! Thanks for posting it!
Hello Ms. Bell,
My daughter would like to write you a letter. Where can we mail it??
Hi there! You can send letters to ABRAMS, 115 West 18th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011. Please tell your daughter hi for me! xoxo!
Dear Cece Bell,
I’ve just finished reading your book. I’m glad I found it. It helped me feel better about myself.
Like you, I am deaf, or hard of hearing. I have hearing aids too, however I did not need to wear a Phonic Ear, I just wear a different kind of hearing aids. The only true difference however, I was born deaf.
I always felt left out. I had to keep asking for help understanding something, kept asking for a person to repeat something so much, was soooo slow in progressing the words together, and still did not fully understand my teacher even with her microphone.
It was good to read your book. It showed me, no- reminded me, that I am not alone in the world. However, I am a bit shy. I don’t have much friends; I’m always afraid of them getting to agitated to like me anymore all the time. And it is so embarrassing to keep asking a new person what they said!
Thank you. With El Deafo, I have a new way to view my problem; like it’s not a punishment but rather a blessing.
Many thanks from-
Tori, Fan and Hard of hearing.
Dear Cece Bell,
Thanks to your book, El Deafo, I have been reminded that I am NOT alone in this world.
I am a 12 year old girl (nearly 13!) that, like you, is deaf, or hard of hearing. I too get a school set; however it’s one of those in your ears and not like the Phonic Ear. The only true difference however, is I was born deaf.
It’s hard. I have to ask for help, ask people to repeat what they said again so much, take a while to process the words together, and sometimes I still can’t hear the teacher with her microphone! It’s also lonely. Not a lot of people understand what we go through.
Thank you. Your book reminded me that I’m not the only one that goes through this. It has also taught me a lesson, a different point of view; I used to think it was a punishment. Now I can see it as a blessing from God. Thank you.
Many thanks-
Tori, fellow hard of hearing and fan
Hi Tori,
Thank you so much for your amazing and heartfelt letter. Just as you are reminded that you’re not the only one going through stuff like this, letters like yours remind me that I’m not the only one going through stuff like this, either!
I so appreciate you reading my book and I’m thrilled that the book resonated with you. I will say that the fact that you were born deaf has probably made certain things even more difficult for you than they were/are for me, so huge kudos to you!
You’re right about the loneliness part. That part is a constant, even as an adult. However, you will find (and I hope you’re finding now) good friends who stick by you and make life so much less lonely, and so much more fun. There are good people everywhere, and I hope you meet more than a few!
I do hope you can continue to see your deafness as a gift…it’s certainly not a punishment, even though it’s hard sometimes. Thank you so much for writing and especially for reading my book. I hope you have a wonderful summer…and even more than that, many, many wonderful experiences to come! All my best to you! xoxo!
My daughter was so excited to b El Deafo in her school storybook parade this morning! She would very much like for you to see a picture but I can’t seem to put one in this comment. I’ll keep trying.
How exciting! I would love to see a picture. You’ll hear from me via a different format soon!
Hello Cece Bell.
I have a question.
When writing your book “El Deafo” (Which btw is my favorite!!), what was the most challenging part?
Hi Cenaria! Thanks for reading the book and for your great question! The most challenging part for me, other than the drawing, was the chapter about sign language. It was tough being honest about the negative feelings I had about sign language when I was a kid (and thankfully, I don’t feel like that now!). Have a great summer! xoxo and thanks for writing!
Hello, Cece Bell,
I was given a copy of your marvelous book: “El Deafo”, and I just finished reading it.
I want to say THANK YOU! The book is the story of my son Tristian. It is so much like
HIS life;… HIS childhood.
I have been trying to write about Tristian, for many years,, but I have never felt that
I got his story RIGHT. But YOU did! I don’t need to write about my son, anymore,…
because you have done it for me!
Again,,, thank you!
Very fond regards,
David McPhail
Hi, Cece! My name is Amalie I have read El Deafo 5 times already. I loved it so much. I was hoping you could let me know if you are going to wright another book about your childhood. Thank you,
Your fan,
Amalie.
Hi Amalie!
Thanks for your note–and thank you for reading El Deafo a whopping 5 times! I am not sure if I will do another book about my childhood, but in a way, ALL my books are about my childhood. Kinda. Sorta! Thanks again for reading! xoxo!