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El Deafo: Superpowered Edition!: A Graphic Novel
Last updated Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Author: Cece Bell
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 1419748319
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2026
Synopsis:
Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here, she's different. She's sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.
Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear, she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in the school - in the hallway. . . in the teacher's lounge. . . in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All.
But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different. . . and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most: a true friend?
| Note to readers: |
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Graphic novels can present different challenges to read aloud. Teachers at MacArthur Park Elem. chose this one so as to engage kids in this style of book that is popular with kids, especially those disinclined to read chapter books.
Click this link to https://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/GraphicNovel.php for practical, easy tips about reading graphic novels aloud to make your reading club sessions more engaging and fun!
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This graphic novel memoir (circa 1975-1987) reflects past attitudes about smoking. Students can be prompted to discuss why this has changed as it arises in the text.
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Readers can learn about the onset of meningitis and its impact on the main character's ability to hear (pg. 1-30) and then they can jump to the chapters below:
- Chapter 13 (pg. 150): Cece begins 5th grade and has to show the new teacher how to use her hearing aid.
- Chapter 18 (pg 192): Cece gets her Phonic Ear back and finds renewed appreciation for her device.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you know any sign language?
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Can you name a few situations where silent forms of communication might be helpful?
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Do you watch television or movies with closed captions? What's different from the audio transmission?
Vocabulary
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Gestural pg. 30 - Non-verbal motions/signals to communicate meaning
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Exaggerated pg. 31 - Something made to seem more dramatic than in reality
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Phonic p. 38 - Related to sound production
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Fussing p. 41 - Excessive worrying or complaining over something usually minor
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Enables p. 59 - Helps something to happen or come about
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Dastardly p. 101 - A way to describe acting in an unfair or dishonorable manner
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What kinds of feelings did Cece experience in the hospital?
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Can you describe how noise/distractions make understanding difficult when listening?
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When Cece's family moves to a new city, why does she feel scared or anxious?
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How does Cece's Phonic Ear device give her "superpowers"?
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If you were somewhere quiet (underwater/forest), what other senses would you use?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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