Age rating and parents' guide:El Deafo
by Cece Bell
Ages 9–11
El Deafo by Cece Bell is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, a little romance and no bad language.
After an illness leaves young Cece with severe hearing loss, she must navigate starting a new school with a bulky, powerful hearing aid called the Phonic Ear. Feeling self-conscious and different, she creates an imaginary superhero alter ego, El Deafo, who can hear teachers from anywhere in the building. This graphic memoir captures the humor, awkwardness, and challenges of growing up, making friends, and finding self-confidence. Children love the charming bunny characters, honest school situations, and playful superhero antics.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- Mild
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Graphic novel
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Pictures on almost every page
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Friendship
Reading mood
- Thoughtful
Good to talk about
- Friendship
- Emotions & empathy
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