This graphic novel is so powerful, yet light-hearted and informative. Cece Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel sees her portrayed as a young animal who, after contracting meningitis at the age of four, becomes deaf. The rest of the story sees Cece adjusting to wearing hearing aids and figuring out how to navigate life while telling others that even though she’s deaf, she’s not broken. I loved the positive messages this graphic novel imparted, and I learned facts I didn’t know about before. My heart ached for Cece as she tried to figure out how to tell friends and teachers that she was deaf and tried to communicate to them how to speak to her, but I also cheered her on when she became El Deafo (a superhero who conquers every obstacle she comes across).
I loved the autobiographical nature of El Deafo, and the art style was beautiful and perfectly encapsulated the age of the character of Cece. I couldn’t find a single fault with this gorgeous story, and I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to be blown away (and maybe have some tissues on hand).
VERDICT: 5/5
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