El Deafo: questions to ask and activities to try
Cece's hearing aid lets her hear her teacher anywhere in school. El Deafo is a funny, honest graphic memoir about deafness and friendship.
What age is it for? El Deafo is best for ages 8–12. Good for: Hearing loss, a hearing aid and a superhero alter ego.
El Deafo (Cece Bell)
- Age
- 8-12
- Best for
- Hearing loss, a hearing aid and a superhero alter ego
Read it together. Talk about what Cece found hard, and how she turned her difference into a strength.
What it helps with
- Deafness and hearing aids
- Fitting in and friendship
- Turning differences into strengths
- Graphic memoir
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What happened to Cece’s hearing?”
- “What is the Phonic Ear?”
- “What superpower did it give her?”
- “What was hard about friends?”
- “Who is El Deafo?”
- “What’s your secret superpower?”
5-minute activities to try together
Superhero me
Create a superhero version of yourself with your real strengths.
Sign language
Learn five signs in British Sign Language.
Free printables: El Deafo worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (Shannon Stocker and Devon Holzwarth)
- Best for
- Deafness, determination and finding your own way
- Age
- 4-8
Harriet vs the Galaxy (Samantha Baines and Jessica Flores)
- Best for
- A girl whose hearing aids pick up aliens
- Age
- 7-10
Allergic (Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter)
- Best for
- Severe allergies, feeling left out and wanting a pet
- Age
- 8-11
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.