The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 20% of the world’s population, or 1.5 billion people, experience some form of hearing loss. People who have lost their hearing have adapted by using hearing aids or cochlear implants to regain their hearing, learning to read lips, or learning how to use sign language as a means of communication. While some people consider a loss of an ability a setback, these children’s books show it to be the exact opposite. We’ve curated this vibrant list of children’s books that offer inclusion, awareness, and some helpful advice about the Deaf community.
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker, Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Losing the ability to hear music doesn’t mean Evelyn can’t listen. Evelyn loved playing music since she was young. When she received her diagnosis that she would gradually lose her hearing, she still wanted to play music. Through percussion, Evelyn found a new way to perform by feeling the sounds as she drummed.
Mighty Mila by Katie Petruzziello, Illustrated by Nadja Sarell
Mila is a spunky, Deaf girl who’s determined to prove she’s a big kid by doing everything herself and without asking for help from her parents. She accomplishes tasks after task. The book presents an endearing view of a day in the life of a young girl, showcasing her determination, who just happens to have cochlear implants. The book is loosely based on the author’s daughter, Mila, who is just as fierce and silly as the character in the book. The book does a wonderful job representing deaf/hard-of-hearing children for readers.
Mara Hears in Style by Terri Clemmons, Illustrated by Lucy Rogers
Follow Mara on her first day of school as she navigates the day with her new, sparkly hearing aids. While Mara faces challenges as the only non-hearing student, she realizes that her lipreading and sign language skills could be used as a superpower to help her make new friends. This book demonstrates how hearing and non-hearing individuals can adapt to communicate effectively with each other.
Ada and the Helpers by Travis D. Peterson, Illustrated by Melissa Fischer
The story is about Ada, a Deaf fox who loves to dance. On the way to the talent show, Ada meets new people with their own problems. With the help of Ada’s hearing aids, also known as her “helpers”, the implants help Ada and her new friends attend the talent show.
The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game by Nancy Churnin, Illustrated by Jez Tuya
William Hoy enjoys playing baseball. He eventually becomes a professional baseball player after being cut from the local Deaf baseball team. His new team did not think that William was a good player because of his hearing, but after getting three strikes at bat on what William thought was a ball, William made hand signals for the Umpire to use while William was at bat. This setup was marked as the beginning of William changing baseball forever.
Freddie and the Fairy by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Karen George
To thank Freddie for saving the Fairy, the Fairy decides to grant him a wish. Freddie tries his best to say his very wish, but he has a problem communicating his wish with the Fairy. Freddie and the Fairy is a clear example of how conversations can happen between a hearing and a deaf/hard-of-hearing person.
We hope you enjoy these recommendations and find them helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the Deaf community, as hearing loss is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to thrive.
Books are a great way to connect with people and understand their point of view. Each of these books shares a small view of what Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people face every day. It would be monumental if more people understood them without judgment.
Looking for more books about Deaf culture? Read here.
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