List of children's books featuring deaf characters

Last updated

Approximately 466 million people or five percent of the world's population has disabling hearing loss (term defined and used by the World Health Organisation); 34 million of these are children. [1] Despite approximately one third of people over 65 years of age being affected by disabling hearing loss [1] Deaf adult characters are significantly underrepresented in children's books; even within books which do include a Deaf character. There have been several studies into how Deaf children are portrayed in children's literature. [2] [3] [4] [5] Historically children's books have generally conformed to an outdated cultural view of Deaf people, which resulted in books which portray those characters who happen to be Deaf as in need of saving or to be pitied. In more recent times society has improved attitudes towards deaf people and this has led in part to better representation in literature. This article highlights some of the books which reflect the diversity found within the deaf community.

Contents

There have been several campaigns such as "toy like me" and "in the picture" (by Scope UK) to encourage toy manufacturers and children's publishers to more accurately reflect society. [6] [7] In response to these campaigns there has been a gradual increase in the quality and quantity of Deaf characters in children's books. BookTrust, a UK children's charity, have published advice for illustrators and publishers on how to naturally include Deaf and disabled characters in children's books. [8]

The term 'Deaf' is generally used to refer to a linguistic and cultural minority group who use sign language and are members of Deaf culture. The term 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing' is commonly used to refer to individuals with partial deafness or hearing loss. People who identify as hard of hearing or small 'd' deaf are generally not members of the Deaf sign language-using community. This distinction is useful in academic settings where precision is needed. For the purpose of this article the term 'deaf' is used to include characters with any level of deafness/hearing loss, their communication styles, use of hearing technology or none and cultural setting such as living with a hearing family or being part of the Deaf Sign Language using community to enable the reader to form their own judgements on where the character falls on the Deaf/hearing culture continuum. As in real life many fictional characters participate at least in part in both Deaf and hearing cultures and manage cross cultural relationships.

Board books for young children featuring deaf characters

Books are listed by publication date, although books are only included in the list if they have a deaf character some books also contain illustrations of other disabled characters and so when present this information has also been included in the table. Deaf adult characters are highlighted in Bold.

Title (Series)Author/IllustratorDeaf and disabled characters / Awards wonYear 1st PublishedChild's AgeBook type
The Animal Orchestra Plays BeethovenSam Taplin,

Ag Jatkowska

Describes the life of Ludwig van Beethoven and how in later life he lost his hearing and how for the last 10 years of his life couldn't hear at all. During that time he composed Symphony No. 9. and only "ever heard it in his head."20200–2 yrsBoard book that plays music
This old ManClaire KeayThe illustrations include a medical professional wearing a hearing aid.20192–6 yrsBoard Book & Soft Cover
Baby Loves the Five Senses: Hearing! (Baby Loves Science)Ruth Spiro, Irene ChanThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid and another wearing a cochlear implant. The book also includes a reference to ASL.20190–2 yrsBoard Book
Round and Round the GardenAnnie KulberThe illustrations include a character with hearing aids, a child with glasses and a child with an arm splint.20180–2 yrsBoard Book
Zoom, Zoom, ZoomAnnie KulberThe illustrations include a child with a hearing aid, a child wearing an eye patch, a child with glasses, another using a wheelchair. [9] 20180–2 yrsBoard Book
Sleeping BunniesAnnie KulberThe illustrations include a child with a hearing aid, a child with glasses and a child with a walking frame,.20180–2 yrsBoard Book
Sleep Tight, Teddy! (New Chatterboox)Jo ByattThe central character wears a cochlear implant on her right side. [10] The illustrations also show her cochlear implant charging station on her bedside table. Earlier editions have different illustrations and they don't include any deaf characters.20180–3 yrsBoard Book
Feeling Great! (Just Like Me!)Ailie BusbyThe illustrations include a toddler using a hearing aid. [11] Earlier editions have different illustrations and they don't include any deaf characters.20180–2 yrsBoard Book
Farm (Wheels at work)CocorettoThe illustrations include a character wearing a hearing aid in each ear while riding a quad bike.20171–4 yrsBoard Book
Clive is a Librarian (Clive's Jobs)Jessica SpanyolThe illustrations include Wilfred wearing a hearing aid and Anisa wearing a leg splint and another child wearing glasses.20171–3 yrsBoard Book
Clive is a Waiter (Clive's Jobs)Jessica SpanyolThe illustrations include Wilfred wearing a hearing aid and Anisa wearing a leg splint and another child wearing glasses.20171–3 yrsBoard Book
Clive is a Teacher (Clive's jobs)Jessica SpanyolThe illustrations include Wilfred wearing a hearing aid and Anisa wearing a leg splint and another child wearing glasses.20171–3 yrsBoard Book
Sing (Amazing Me!)Carol ThompsonThe illustrations include two children wearing hearing aids and another child wearing glasses.20171–3 yrsBoard Book
Baby Talk Auditory Verbal UK In this picture book all the photos are of babies and young children wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants.20160–2 yrsThick Card
Goat goes to Playgroup Julia Donaldson, Nick Sharratt The illustrations include Monkey wearing a hearing aid; Monkey features several times in the book. [12] 20152–5 yrsBoard Book & Soft Cover
Autumn (Seasons)Ailie BusbyThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid, a child wearing 'Boots and a Bar' which implies the child had talipes (club foot) and another child with a built-up shoe. Part of a series which won a Practical Preschool Silver award (UK) 2015.20150–3 yrsBoard Book
Spring (Seasons)Ailie BusbyThe illustrations include a child with a hearing aid, children wearing glasses and a child wearing a wrist splint. Part of a series which won a Practical Preschool Silver award (UK) 2015.20150–3 yrsBoard Book
Carol ThompsonThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid and a child with Down's syndrome. [13] Part of a series which won Practical Preschool Silver award.20141–4 yrsBoard Book
Sun (Whatever the weather)Carol ThompsonThe illustrations include a child signing 'SUN' in BSL, a child with Down's syndrome, another child wearing a protective helmet and a child with a nasal oxygen cannula and a walking frame. [14] Part of a series which won Practical Preschool Silver award.20141–4 yrsBoard Book
Jump! (Little movers)Carol ThompsonThe illustrations include a child wearing a cochlear implant, a child wearing leg splints and another child wearing a safety helmet. This book was included in Guardian's top 10 most inclusive books in 2013. [15] 20131–3 yrsBoard Book
BlankiesCarol ThompsonThe illustrations include a child with a hearing aid and a child wearing an eye patch.20120–3 yrsBoard Book
Mary had a Little Lamb (Classic Books with Holes)Marina AizenThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid and a child using a wheelchair. [16] 20123–6 yrsBoard Book and Soft Cover
School (First Time)Jan LewisThe illustrations include a child with a hearing aid, a child wearing a leg splint and another child using tripods.20122–6 yrsThick Card
Performance (First Time)Jan LewisThe illustrations clearly show a teacher wearing a radio aid/FM system presumably for the benefit of a deaf child, but there are several female children wearing square hairclips which could be interpreted as hearing technology; there is no clear illustration of a child wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant etc. The illustrations also include a child with their leg in a cast and using crutches.20122–6 yrsThick Card
What Can I feel (Small senses)Annie KulberThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid. Selected for Bookbug Baby Pack by the Scottish Book Trust.20110–3 yrsBoard Book
What Can I taste (Small senses)Annie KulberThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid and a child wearing a leg splint.20110–3 yrsBoard Book
What Can I hear (Small Senses)Annie KulberThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid and a child wearing an eye patch.20110–3 yrsBoard Book
What Can I see (Small senses)Annie KulberThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid.20110–3 yrsBoard Book
Vet (First Time)Jess StockhamThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid, a child wearing glasses and another child with a guide dog.20112–6 yrsThick Card
Doctor (First Time)Jess StockhamThe illustrations include a receptionist wearing a hearing aid and a child wearing a hearing aid who is visiting a doctor. Another child has eczema. Part of a series which won a Bizziebay Silver Award in 2010. [17] 20112–6 yrsThick Card
Pat-a-CakeAnnie KulberThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid. Part of a series which won a Practical Pre-School Gold Award 2014 (UK).20100–2 yrsBoard Book
You and Me (New Baby)Rachel FullerThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid.20091–3 yrsBoard Book
Baby sitter (First Time)Jess StockhamThe illustrations show the babysitter and child signing 'DUCK' to each other in BSL. This book has won a Practical Pre-School Bronze Award (UK) 2009, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Best Book Award Gold (US) 2010 [18] and won a Bizziebaby Silver Award (UK) 2011. [17] 20092–6 yrsTough Card
Big Day Out (First Time)Jess StockhamThe illustrations include two background characters signing, while waiting in a queue to buy tickets. The adult is signing 'TICKET' in BSL and the child is signing 'EXCITED' in response. The pictures also include the hearing loop sign used in the UK. This book was a joint winner of a Practical Pre-School Bronze Award (UK) 2009 and a Bizziebaby Silver Award 2011. [17] 20092–6 yrsTough Card
Together (Just Like Us!)Jess StockhamThe illustrations include a young child wearing a hearing aid while playing in the sand and another child wearing a safety helmet. Part of a series which won a Practical Parenting Gold Award.20081–3 yrsBoard Book
Making Friends! (Just Like Us!)Jess StockhamThe illustrations include a child with a hearing aid and a child with Downs syndrome. Part of a series which won a Practical Parenting Gold Award.20081–3 yrsBoard Book
I'm a Little teapotAnnie KulberThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid. Part of a series which won a Practical Pre-School Gold Award (UK) 2014.20070–2 yrsBoard Book
Bounce & Jiggle (Baby Gym)Sanja RešcekThe illustrations include a baby with a hearing aid. [19] This book won a Practical Pre-School Bronze Award (UK) 2008.20070–2 yrsBoard Book
Touch and Tickle (Baby Gym)Sanja RešcekThe illustrations include a baby with a hearing aid and a wheelchair-using parent or carer. [20] This book has won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award Gold, Myra Robertson Baby Book of the Year 2009, Practical Pre-School Bronze Award 2008 and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Special Needs Adaptable Product Award.20070–2 yrsBoard Book
Little Ocean Explorers (Little explorers)Anthony LewisThe double-sided character which can be inserted into each scene, features a girl wearing a hearing aid on a retainer cord on one side and a boy without a hearing aid on the other side.20071–4 yrsBoard Book
See-Saw! Nursery Songs (Nursery Time)Annie KublerThe illustrations include a child wearing a hearing aid and another with a cochlear implant.20061–3 yrsBoard Book
Peek-a-Boo! Nursery Games (Nursery Time)Annie KublerThe illustrations include an adult wearing a hearing aid and a child wearing a leg splint.20052–3 yrsBoard Book
Noo-Noo! (My New Baby)Carol ThompsonThe illustrations include a baby wearing a hearing aid and a baby wearing an eye patch.20090–2 yrsTough Card

Picture books with deaf characters

The books are listed in date order. deaf authors and illustrators are highlighted in bold.

Table of Children's picture books with deaf Characters
TitleAuthor/IllustratorDeaf charactersChild's AgeYear 1st Published
Sometimes I Like the Quiet (Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series)Kelly Brakenhoff, Caterina BaldiDuke the Deaf Dog is the only deaf member of his family. He uses ASL and English to communicate.3-9 yrs2022
My Dawg Koa (Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series)Kelly Brakenhoff, Theresa MurrayDuke the Deaf Dog is hard of hearing and his best friend Koa is deaf. They use ASL to chat with each other.3-9 yrs2022
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed PercussionShannon Stocker, Devon HolzwarthBased on the true story of Evelyn Glennie, the book tells the story of how during childhood her ears hurt and her auditory nerve became damaged so she started to wear hearing aids. She uses speech to communicate and the book tells how she overcame prejudice and went on to become a world-famous percussionist.4–8 yrs2022
Making Friends: A lift-the-flap board book about friendshipPat-a-Cake  (Author),

Louise Forshaw

The illustrations include a diverse range of people including a young boy wearing glasses and a red cochlear implant on the cover.3+ yrs2021
Standing Up to Racism: A lift-the-flap board book about standing togetherDr Pragya Agarwal, Louise ForshawThe illustrations include a diverse range of people including a white girl with a blue cochlear implant and girl with brown skin with a red cochlear implant and a boy with brown skin and a green hearing aid. The pictures also show a girl wearing glasses with an eye patch, a boy in a wheelchair and several children and adults wearing glasses.3+ yrs2021
The Visible Sounds:Yin Jianling, Yu Rong, Filip SeluckyBased on the true story of professional Chinese dancer, Lihua Tai, who is Deaf and uses sign language and some speech to communicate. The book tells how the central character called MiLi aged two has an illness and becomes profoundly deaf. Initially, she experiences isolation and grief, later vividly discovering that she could experience sound through feeling the vibrations.4–8 yrs2021
See What I can do?Jon Roberts, Hannah RoundingThe book covers many children with disabilities including a child who is deaf.2021
Farts Make Noise (Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series)Kelly Brakenhoff, Theresa MurrayDuke the Deaf Dog wears a hearing aid on one ear and signs ASL with his family.3-9 yrs2020
Can Bears Ski? Raymond Antrobus

Polly Dunbar

The central character baby Bear is deaf and gets hearing aids in the book. The storyline incorporates some deaf awareness tips.3–62020
Mila gets her Super EarsAshley MachovecThe central character Mila tells the story of how her hearing loss was detected when she was a baby and how aged two she became eligible for and had cochlear implant surgery.2020
Zola Gets Hearing AidsNarita Snead, Dawn CampbellThe central character Zola has a hearing aid fitted in the story.5–12 yrs2020
The adventures of Billie BAHA and her Super HEARo friends!Jessica Jordan-HoganThe central character Billie has microtia, is hard of hearing and wears a Baha. In the book Billie goes to school with a range of deaf characters including one who is deaf-blind (shown wearing hearing aids and glasses) and another who wears cochlear implants and a wheelchair-user wearing a Baha.2020
Mikah's Wandering Feet (Mikah Can! 2)Tabitha J Page, Alexander KulieshovMikah monkey is deaf, he lives in a Zoo enclosure with his family and uses Auslan sign language to communicate with his family.3–10 yrs2020
Bessie Needs Hearing AidsJenna Harmke,Toby MikleThe central character Bessie, a rabbit, has hearing aids fitted in the story.2020
Maxi's Super EarsMaggie KleinThe central character, Maxi has his first set of hearing aids fitted aged three. This is a central part of the story.2020
The Quest for the Cockle ImplantMaya Wasserman, Lucy RogersThe main character a mermaid, Angel, is Deaf and wears bilateral cochlear implants, the book also features another deaf character called Merkitty and they communicate in BSL. The storyline incorporates some Deaf awareness tips and a BSL version is available on ITV's Signed Stories app. The book was published by the NDCS in the UK.2020
Ling Ling Bird, seen and heard: A joyous tale of friendship, acceptance and magic ears! (The Adventures of Ling Ling Bird)Tanya SaudersThe main character is a Bird called Ling Ling who is profoundly deaf and has "Magic ears" (cochlear implants) and speaks clearly now after many hours of speech therapy. [21] 6–8 yrs2020
Never Mind (Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series)Kelly Brakenhoff, Theresa MurrayDuke the Deaf Dog is the only deaf member of his family. He does not like being told "never mind."3-9 yrs2019
Sammy and His Super EarsKay Hoffman Brocato, Cameron WilsonOne of the main characters, Sammy the turtle wears cochlear implants.8–12 yrs2019
Just Read!Lori DegmanOne page has an illustration showing a child signing 'I LOVE YOU' in ASL with the text, "I read with my voice or my hands, using signs". The illustrations also feature a child reading a book in braille.4–7 yrs2019
Super Kena: A Girl Make Fierce with Hearing aidsBecky Cymbaluk, Zuzana SvobodovaThe main character is a female superhero called Super Kena who wears two hearing aids.2019
The Secrets Hidden Beneath the Palm TreeAngeliki Stamatopoulou-Pedersen, Tety SolouOne of the main characters is Jacob and attends a mainstream school; he wears hearing aids.2019
Preemie Powered: The Story of SoundWaveMaria Addison GrayThe main character 'recruit' wears two blue hearing aids.2019
What did you say?Dr Zeenat Abdulshakur, Tajmul Riyaz Tajmul Rizwan,

Tazmeen Rukhsana Tajmul Rizwan

The main characters are Ray and Rui who are identical twins. Ray has ANSD, wears hearing aids and uses speech to communicate.2019
Deafinitely Awesome: The Story of AcornMary L. Motley, Timy Sullivan, Jenny CampbellThe central character, Acorn the dog is Deaf and once this is identified, the people caring for the dog teaches him to understand sign language.2019
Deaf CinderellaAdonia Smith Maureen KluszaThe Cinderella in this story is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.2019
TheBrave Princess and MeKathy Kacer, Juliana KolesovaThis book is based on part of the life of Princess Alice of Battenberg who was born deaf and used sign language, speech (English, German and Greek) and lip reading to communicate. [22] 5–6 yrs2019
This Old ManClaire KeayThe illustrations include a medical professional wearing a hearing aid. Also available as a board book.2–6 yrs2019
Happy To Be MeEmma DoddThe illustrations include a BME young boy wearing a bright blue hearing aid in his right ear. There is also another child wearing glasses and a child sitting in a wheelchair. [23] 3–5 yrs2019
Ninita's Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy MarmosetSarah Glenn Marsh, Stephanie Fizer ColemanThis story is about a deaf monkey.4–7 yrs2019
Out of My Window; a Rhyme and Sign AdventureSue Searle, Chris Hammond, Cath Smith, Shelley EnsorThe illustrations include characters with hearing loss (CI and HA?) and diagrams of BSL signs.2–7 yrs2018
There's Only One YouKathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook, Rosie ButcherThe illustrations include a girl with ginger hair wearing two hearing aids. There is also a character wearing glasses, another using a forearm crutch and another using a wheelchair.3–7 yrs2018
The Rock that Couldn't RollJay Miletsky, Erin WozniakThe illustrations include a 'rock' called Leesie wearing a BAHA [24] on a light pink soft band.4–8 yrs2018
My Happy PlaceAmy Crockford, Daniel ButlerThe main character Amy is 10 years old and Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.2018
The Monster at the ParkLeah Carroll, Ekaterina VoytesOne of the central characters, Magi, wears a cochlear implant on her right side.2018
Ezekiel Helps Clean the House (Ezekiel the Deaf Therapy Dog)Mary Lyons, Tom LyonsThe main character, Ezekiel, is Deaf and his owners instruction him in American Sign Language.2018
Violet's StoryFrances ClarkThe central character, Violet, loses her hearing as a child then gets a cochlear implant.5+ yrs2018
Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William HoyBill Wise, Adam GustavsonBook on the life of William Hoy who became deaf after having meningitis, aged three.6–11 yrs2018
Elephant and the Lost BlanketAlex NadiooThe central elephant character in this story wears bilateral hearing aids and the tiger is wearing bilateral cochlear implants.2018
BoyPhil Cummings, Hane DevriesThe central character is Deaf and uses Auslan sign language, writing and gestures to communicate.2018
Mikah's Big Move (Mikah Can! 1)Tabitha Page, Alexander KulieshovMikah monkey was born deaf and uses Auslan and the BANZSL alphabet. [25] 3–7 yrs2018
Meet Justin: A Story About a Hearing Impairment (Someone Special Books)Heather McCarthy, Kate RyanJustin has "hearing impairment" and the book contains some deaf awareness tips at the back. (Only available as a Kindle edition.)2017
Silent Days, Silent DreamsAllen SayThis biography of James Castle who was born two months premature and was deaf and autistic was an accomplished artist despite difficulties with communication as he never learned to read or write, use sign language or speech. The Book does not contain images of James's work. This book won the ALA Schneider Family Book Award for Young Children in 2018. [26] 8–12 yrs2017
National Geographic Readers: Helen Keller (Level 2) (Readers Bios)Kitson JazynkaPicture book biography of Helen Keller.5–8 yrs2017
Proud to be DeafAva Beese,, Lilli Beese,Nick Beese,

Romina Martí

The central character, Ava, is Deaf and wears hearing aids and also uses BSL to communicate. The book also features her parents who are both Deaf and many other Deaf role models.6–8 yrs2017
Helen's Big World (Big Words): The Life of Helen KellerDoreen Rappaport, Matt TavaresA picture biography of Helen Keller who became Deaf-Blind aged 19 months and used a mixture of the Rochester method, ASL, speech and braille.6-9 yrs2017
The Gingerbread WitchPaul MillerThe main characters are twins and one twin, Anders, is Deaf and uses ... to communicate.2017
Fairy MagicCerrie Burnell, Laura Ellen AndersonThe main character wears a BAHA hearing aid on a soft band. [27] 3–6 yrs2017
A Bear Hug at BedtimeJana Novotny-Hunter, Kay WiddowsonThe main character wears a hearing aid. [28] 3–7 yrs2017
And so, Ahmed hearsDawn DoigCentral character Ahmed can't hear speech before being fitted with his hearing aids.2017
Marvelous Mary: Deaf with Cochlear ImplantsEmily ChristensenThe central character, Mary, uses sign language, speech and bilateral cochlear implants to communicate.2017
Jake and Jasmine to the RescueKaren Harlow, Sandra AguilarJake is one of the two main characters, he is deaf and has a cochlear implant.4–7 yrs2017
Emma's EarsGianna RighiThe central character, Emma, was born profoundly deaf and gets a cochlear implant after trailing her hearing aid.5–6 yrs2016
Max and His Hearing AidsEmily MikoskiThe central character, Max, wears hearing aids. (Kindle edition only)2016
Ranvir Cannot HearGenevieve Yusuf, Shermain PhilipThe central character, Ranvir the Elephant, is Deaf.2016
Dodger Dog Meets Shea: Volume 3 (Adventures of Dodger Dog)Karen Gee, Kim WymerThe main character, Dodger, meets Holly, a Deaf dog and they learn to communicate.2016
The Sound of All ThingsMyron Uhlberg, Ted PapoulasThe book is written from the perspective of one of the hearing children of Deaf parents who use ASL to communicate. This book has won several awards including Notable Books for a Global Society 2017, [29] Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2017, [30] CCBC Choices 2017, [31] Best Children's Books of the Year (Starred) 2017. [32] 6–10 yrs2016
The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the GameNancy Churnin, Jez TuyaWilliam Hoy is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. This book has won several awards including Storytelling World Resource Award Honor Book 2017, [33] New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2016, [34] Best Children's Books of the Year 2017 [32] and Louisiana Young Readers' Choice list 2018. [35] 4–8 yrs2016
Daisy and Ted's Awesome AdventuresAlex NadiooDaisy, one of the main characters, wears a hearing aid.4–7 yrs2016
The Little Deaf SquirrelMrs. Barbara RichfordThe central character is Deaf5–6 yrs2016
SimoneSonya B. P. GiridharThe central character, Simone, uses an FM system to hear the teacher. As her ears are covered by her hair in the illustrations, you can't see the cochlear implant or hearing aids.2016
My Friend is DeafJames Kerwin, Marie KerwinOne of the two main characters, James, is Profoundly Deaf and uses Auslan to communicate.2015
The Elephant in the RoomJim Bombicino, Gildas ChatalThe central character Skyler has hearing loss and wears hearing aids and uses speech to communicate.2015
Mike & the Deaf Student (The Walk a Mile in My Shoes Club)Sharon Straka HendricksDavid, the Deaf student, is bullied but after spending a day Deaf he learns some ASL and then stops bullying David.5-9 yrs2015
Maxi's Super EarsMaggie KleinThe central character, Maxi, gets hearing aids.2015
Goat Goes to PlaygroupJulia Donaldson, Nick SharrattThe illustrations show a monkey wearing a hearing aid.2015
I Am Helen Keller (Ordinary People change the world) Brad Meltzer A picture book biography of Helen Keller.2015
The Five of UsQuentin BlakeThere are five main characters and one is deaf. [36] 5–7 yrs2014
Young Thomas EdisonMichael DoolingThis book is a biography of Thomas Edison. He became Deaf (totally deaf on his left and hard of hearing on his right side) aged approximately 9–12 years old. He used speech and lip-reading to communicate. [37] 2014
Hands & Hearts: With 15 Words in American Sign LanguageDonna Jo Napoli Amy Bates (IlThe mother and daughter in this story use ASL to communicate.2014
The Mitten StringJennifer Rosner Kristina SwarnerOne of the main characters, Bayla, is Deaf and cares for her baby.3–7 yrs2014
Harmony Hears a HootFara AugustoverThe central character, Harmony, gets a hearing aid and uses an FM system at school.2014
Kylie Gets a Cochlear ImplantMarilyn C. RoseThe main character, Kylie, loses her hearing after an illness aged six and after lip-reading and using sign language for two years (without trailing hearing aids) had a cochlear implant. [38] 2013
Dachy's Deaf (Dinosaurs Friends)Jack HughesThe central character, Dachy, is deaf and uses a hearing aid.8–12 yrs2013
Helen Keller's Best Friend BelleHolly M. Barry, Jennifer ThermesThe central character of this book is Helen Keller who became deaf-blind after an illness at 19 months old. In the book, she uses ASL fingerspelling, braille and speech to communicate.4–8 yrs2013
My Magic EarsBob KennedyThe central character has bilateral cochlear implants fitted in the book.2013
Max and George Make New FriendsMatthew RobinsOne of the central characters, Max, is Deaf and uses BSL to communicate.2013
Annie and HelenDeborah Hopkinson, Raul ColónThis book is about the life of Helen Keller (Deaf-Blind) and her teacher Annie Sullivan (Blind.)4–8 yrs2012
Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William HoyBill Wise,

Adam Gustavson

A picture book biography of William Hoy [39] who became Deaf after having meningitis aged three.6–11 yrs2012
Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller (Big Words)Doreen Rappaport, Matt TavaresA picture book biography of Helen Keller.6–8 yrs2012
Let's Hear it for AlmigalWendy KupferThe central character Almigal has lost her hearing and then gets bilateral cochlear implants. Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner for Values and Life Lessons.5–7 yrs2012
Can You Hear a Rainbow?Jamee Riggio Heelan, Nicola SimmondsThe central character, Chris, is Deaf uses sign language, hearing aids, lip-reading to communicate.5–8 yrs2012
Sophie's Tales: Overcoming ObstaclesMelanie PaticoffThe central character, Sophie, is a dog with hearing loss who uses a cochlear implant.2012
Freddie and the FairyJulia Donaldson, Karen GeorgeThe fairy is the story has difficulty hearing speech with clarity and the illustrations show a bow in the fairy but no clearly visible hearing technology.3–5 yrs2011
Samantha's Fun FM and Hearing Aid Book!Samantha BrownlieThe main character, Samantha, wears a hearing aid and uses an FM unit.2011
Gracie's EarsDebbie BlackingtonThe main character, Gracie has hearing loss and gets hearing aids.2011
John Gets Ready for SchoolJoanne Zellweger, Andy ElliotOne of the main characters, John has a hearing aid on his left ear and a cochlear implant on his right side and communicates using speech.2010
Dad, Jackie, and MeMyron Uhlberg, Colin BootmanThe father in the story is a Deaf ASL user. This book has won American Library Association Schneider Award, the 2006 Storytelling World Award, the IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, and International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award4–8 yrs2010
The CloudHannah CummingThe illustrations include two background characters signing to each other.2010
Rivers' WalkNatalie JohnsonThe Rabbit gets hearing aids.2010
Sunny and her Cochlear ImplantsSusanna DusslingThe central character, Sunny, is deaf and initially, she uses hearing aids and then moves onto cochlear implants.2010
Sophie's Tales: Learning to Listen (Sophie's Tales)Melanie PaticoffThe main character Sophie is deaf, she has hearing aids initially then uses a cochlear implant to 'learn to listen.'2010
Julia's WordsJudith L. Roth, Brooke RothshankOne of the two main characters, Julia, is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate6–10 yrs2009
Now I Can HearConnie Losacano, Matthew GravesThe main character gets hearing aids and then can hear sounds.2009
A Birthday for BenKate GaynorThe central character, Ben, is Deaf, he goes to a mainstream school and uses hearing aids, sign language and speech to communicate?. This book was awarded a silver medal at the Moonbeam children's books awards in 2009.2009
The PrinterMyron Uhlberg, Henri SorensenThe father is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. Some of his father's colleagues are also Deaf ASL users.4–8 yrs2009
I Am DeafJennifer Moore-Mallinos, Marta FabregaThe main character, Lana, is Deaf and uses a combination hearing aids, FM system, lip reading and ASL to communicate.6-9 yrs2009
Enrique Speaks with His HandsBenjamin Fudge, Tim EdmonsonThe central character Enrique was born deaf and then he is taught sign language by he meets other Deaf children.3+ yrs2008
Helen Keller: The World in Her HeartLesa Cline-Ransome, James RansomeThis book is a picture book biography of Helen Keller.5-9 yrs2008
Abby Gets a Cochlear ImplantMaureen Cassidy RiskiThe central character Abby wears purple hearing aids and has progressive hearing loss and then gets cochlear implants. The book focuses on the process of the cochlear implant assessment and then the aftercare.2008
My Heart Glow: Alice Cogswell, Thomas Gallaudet, and the Birth of American Sign LanguageEmily Arnold McCullyBased on the true story of how Deaf education in America was developed, Alice becomes Deaf after illness aged two.6-9 yrs2008
A Day at the Park (Hattie and Friends)Lesley Bremington, Karen MiddletonOne of the main characters Hattie is deaf and the illustrations show her wearing a cochlear implant.2008
Friends, Like YouMelissa Griswold, Cynthia FisherThe two main characters, Molly and Max, –both are Deaf; Molly uses a cochlear implant and Max wears hearing aids. Their teacher uses an FM system to help them hear.2007
Lucy: Loud and ClearLaila Lavan, Beatriz IglesiasThe central character is using a hearing aid and uses sign language to communicate. [40] 5–6 yrs2007
My Hearing Loss and Me: We Get Along Most of the TimeJohn F. Anderson Jr., William BushellThe books central character Jack uses a cochlear implant and spoken language to communicate.4–12 yrs?2004
Jason and the Blind PuppyDawn McMillan, Warwick BennettThe main character, Jason, is deaf and wears hearing aids and uses sign language to communicate. [41] 7+ yrs2004
Missing!Dawn McMillanThe main character, Jason, is deaf and wears hearing aids and uses sign language to communicate. [41] 2004
I'm the Boss of my Hearing LossAmy KnollThe central character uses hearing aids and speech to communicate.2004
Moses Sees a PlayIsaac MillmanThe main character who uses ASL to communicate teaches some signs to a new child, then the children see a performance put on by the Little theatre of the deaf.4–8 yrs2004
Moses Goes to the CircusIsaac MillmanThe main character Moses uses ASL to communicate with his hearing family and teaches his young sister some ASL.4–6 yrs2003
Secret Signs: Along the Underground RailroadAnita RiggioThe central character, Luke, is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate5–7 yrs2003
LucySally O. LeeThe central character has single sided deafness.2003
Moses Goes to a ConcertIsaac MillmanThe main character, who uses ASL to communicate, goes with his deaf classmates to see a concert, one of the musicians is also deaf.5–8 yrs2002
Helen Keller and the Big StormPatricia Lakin, Diana MagnusonThis book tells the story of part of Helen Keller's life.6–7 yrs2002
Moses Goes to SchoolIsaac MillmanThe main character, Moses, uses ASL to communicate goes to a school for the Deaf.5–8 yrs2000
Zoo Keeper: Katy Is Deaf (Making It)Eleanor ArcherThe central character Katy is Profoundly Deaf and uses BSL to communicate. Based on a true story [42] 2000
Elana's Ear, Or How I Became the Best Big Sister in the WorldGloria Roth Lowell, Karen Stormer BrooksOne of the main characters, Elana, the newborn baby is Deaf and wears hearing aids.2000
Monica Hughes,

Julie Anderson

The illustrations show the main character, a young girl wearing a hearing aid on her right ear.3–5 yrs2000
A Screaming Kind of DayRachna Gilmore, Gordon SauveThe main character, Scully, is deaf and wears hearing aids. This book won the 1999 Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Literature6–7 yrs1999
Dina the Deaf DinosaurCarole Addabbo ValentineThe central character, Dina, is Deaf and then learns sign language after she has run away from her hearing parents which don't know and won't learn sign language.1997
Rosa's ParrotJan Wahl, Kim HowardThe central character Rosa struggles to hear speech without the help of her parrot that repeats phrases loudly.1999
The Quiet World (Voyages Series)Raewyn Caisley, Leanne FlemingThe main characters baby brother is born deaf. The main character wants to experience deafness for himself so stuffs his ears with cotton balls and wears headphones for a day, he thinks that his brother is going to be a football star.1996
Cosmo Gets an EarGary Clemente, Eugene YelchinThe central character Cosmo gets hearing aids in the story.1994
Dad and Me in the MorningPatricia Lakin, Robert C. SteelThe central character is Deaf and he tells the story. He uses ASL and lip-reading to communicate.4–8 yrs1994
One TV Blasting and a Pig OutdoorsDeborah Abbott, Henry Kisor, Leslie MorrillWritten by Henry Kisor (Deaf after a period of illness aged three) and his wife (hearing) about the family dynamics where one parent has hearing loss. The father in the family went to a mainstream school and has excellent literacy skills and uses lip-reading and speech to communicate.4–8 yrs1994
Silent ObserverInez MacKinnon, Christy MacKinnonThis book was compiled by Inez MacKinnon about Christy MacKinnon's childhood, Christy created the illustrations. Christy became Deaf after an illness aged two. [43] [44] 1993
The Spelling WindowDawn L. WatkinsOne of the main characters, Seth, is Deaf who communicates using speech and ASL.1993
MandyBarbara D. BoothThe main character, Mandy, is Deaf and uses ASL and lip reading to communicate.4–8 yrs1991
A Picture Book of Helen Keller (Picture Book Biography)David A. Adler, John Wallner, lexandra WallnerA picture book biography of Helen Keller's who was deaf-blind after an illness at aged 19 months.4–8 yrs1990
I'm Deaf and It's OkayLorraine Aseltine, Evelyn Mueller, Nancy TaitThe main character is Deaf; he signs and wears hearing aids and he meets an older Deaf child.4+ yrs1986
I Have a Sister. My Sister is DeafJeanne Whitehouse PetersonOne of the main characters, Asian, is profoundly Deaf; he does not use hearing technology and uses lip-reading and gestures to communicate. This book was a Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book (1979) and a Reading Rainbow Selection Children's Books of 1977 (Library of Congress).4–8 yrs1984
Alan and the BaronRon Hamilton, Peggy B. DealThe main character is a Deaf boy who uses sign language to communicate. Published by the National Association of the Deaf.1983
Jamie's TigerJan Wahl,

Tomie dePaola

Jamie the central character becomes deaf after having German Measles.1978
A Button in Her Ear (Concept book)Ada Bassett LitchfieldThe central character wears hearing aids with a body-worn box typical of the technology worn by deaf children in the 1970s.1976

Early Reader's Books with deaf characters

The books are listed in date order. Deaf authors and illustrators are highlighted in bold. Note the Emma Everyday series has UK editions without fingerspelling on the cover and American editions with ASL fingerspelling illustrations on the front covers.

TitleAuthorDeaf charactersChild's ageYear 1st Published
The Big Bike (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2023
The Writing Contest (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2023
The Lemonade Stand (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2022
Jazz and Pop's Adventure (Big Cat Phonics for Little Wondle Letters and Sounds Revised)Tarnelia Matthews, Lucy RogersJazz is deaf, wears hearing aids, and has a hearing dog to "listen out for the sounds I don't hear because I'm deaf." Phase 5 book.6–7 yrs2022
Roller skating Worries (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2022
Dog Watch (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2022
Swimming Struggle (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter books.5–7 yrs2022
Friendship Goals (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2021
A Trip to Grandma's (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2021
The Boy in the Jam JarJoyce Dunbar,

John Shelley

The central character, Dillan, experiences progressive hearing loss and wants things to go back to the way things were. Lime book band.6–7 yrs2020
Crazy for Apples (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2020
Party Problems (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2020
Tap Dance Troubles (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2020
Going on a Field Trip (Emma Every Day)C L Reid, Elena AielloEmma is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant. She uses speech and ASL or BSL (depending on the edition) to communicate depending on the situation and who she is communicating with. Early reader chapter book.5–7 yrs2020
I know Someone with a Hearing Impairment (understanding Health Issues)Vic Parker5–7 yrs2012
The Den (Rigby star guided reading scheme) Red levelMonia Hughes, Julie AndersonThe illustrations show the main character who is a young girl wearing a hearing aid on her right ear building a de. There is one very simple sentence per page.4–5 yrs2007
I am Deaf (PM Science Facts)Heather HammondThe central character is a young Deaf boy who uses sign language (Auslan) to communicate, and attends a school for Deaf children.5–7 yrs2006

Comics with deaf characters

The comics are listed in date order.

Comics with deaf characters
TitleAuthor / IllustratorDeaf charactersChild's AgeYear 1st Published
Avatar Volume 3: The Cracks of My CarvenJuan Miguel Aguilera, Rafael FonterizThe central character Manuel Gomez is a police detective who was born "deaf mute". He communicates using special glasses.2019
Iron Man: Sound Effects 2014 #1Marvel ComicsIt features Sapheara a superhero with bilateral pink cochlear implants and Superhero Blue Ear with two blue hearing aids. This comic was created in partnership with the Children's Hearing Institute. [45] 8–11 yrs2014
Avatar Volume 2: Claws in the WindJuan Miguel Aguilera, Rafael FonterizThe central character, Manuel Gomez, is a police detective who was born "deaf mute", he communicates using special glasses.2009
New Averagers #27Deaf superhero, Echo, was born Deaf and uses ASL, Indo-Pakistani Sign Language, art and performance and lip-reading to communicate.2007
New Averagers #11The book has Deaf superhero character, Ronin, (also known as Maya Lopez and Echo).2005
Avatar Volume 1: A Look into AbyssJuan Miguel Aguilera, Rafael FonterizThe central character, Manuel Gomez, is a police detective who was born "deaf mute"; he communicates using special glasses.2003
Batman Beyond: Hear No EvilRandom HouseThe villain Shriek uses deafness as a shield and uses sound as a weapon.2002
Daredevil issue 9Marvel ComicsThe superhero Echo was born Deaf and uses both ASL and a Native American system for communicating between tribes speaking different languages. [46] 1999
Daredevil: Parts of a Hole

Volume 2, #9-15

One of the characters, Maya Lopez, also called Echo & Ronin, is deaf and as she gets older becomes a part of the Deaf community. Echo was born Deaf and uses ASL, Indian Sign Language, art and performance and lip-reading to communicate.2003
Daredevil: Echo - Vision Quest Volume 2, # 51–55One of the characters, Maya Lopez, also called Echo & Ronin, is deaf and becomes part of the Deaf community. Echo uses ASL, Indian Sign Language, art and performance and lip-reading to communicate.2004
The ListenerElizabeth Laird, Pauline HazelwoodOne of the characters is deaf and helps when a neighbour is injured.1997
Justice League of America #163DC ComicsThe Amazing Allergo (musician) loses his hearing which then causes him to become evil.1970
Life With ARCHIE-The Sound of Silence #119Archie the main character befriends a deaf character and teaches her to lipread.1970?

Graphic novels with deaf characters

The graphic novels are listed in date order.

Graphic novels with deaf characters
TitleAuthorDeaf characters / Awards wonChild's ageYear 1st published
That Deaf Guy: A Wild Ride!Matt DaigleThis comic book includes a series of comics featuring Desmond who is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. [47] 2014
El Deafo Cece BellThis loosely autobiographical book is about Cece who wore hearing aids at school and used lip-reading and speech to communicate. The book won the 2015 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (ages 8–12) [48] and a Newbery Honor in 2015.8–12 yrs2014
Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller (The Center for Cartoon Studies Presents)Joseph LambertThis book is about the lives of Helen Keller (Deaf-Blind) and her teacher Annie Sullivan who was Blind.10+ yrs2012
Helen Keller: Courageous Advocate (Graphic Biographies)Scott R. Welvaert, Cynthia Martin, Keith TuckerThis book is a biography of Helen Keller and her adult life advocating for the Blind community.9–12 yrs2006

Middle grade books with deaf characters

The readers of these books are expected to be approximately between the ages of 8 and 12 years of age. Deaf authors names are highlighted in Bold. The books are listed in date order.

TitleAuthorDeaf characters / Awards wonReaders AgeTopics, ThemesYear 1st Published
Hear Me Kerry O'Malley Cerra This #ownvoices contemporary middle-grade novel follows 12-year-old Rayne who, at odds with her parents over her sudden hearing loss and looming cochlear implant surgery, sets off on a journey where she discovers that even though her ears may be broken, she is not. Written in first person point of view, the author uses *** to denote words the main character cannot hear, effectively putting the readers into her shoes.8–14 yrshearing loss, cochlear implants, having a say in your medical decisions2022
Lizzie & Lucky: The Mystery of the Missing DogMegan Rix,

Tim Budgen

The central character, Lizzie (eight) is deaf. In the book she lives at home with her deaf parents, they all wear colourful bilateral hearing aids and at-home use BSL to communicate. Accessibility is gently addressed when the characters experience communication difficulties such as trying to lip-read in the dark, when people don't speak clearly or turn away mid-sentence and not everyone uses or understands BSL. They make a video relay call to the police through a BSL interpreter.6–8 yrsDog lovers, Detective2021
Lizzie & Lucky: The Mystery of the Missing PuppiesMegan Rix,

Tim Budgen

The central character, Lizzie (eight), is deaf. She lives at home with her deaf parents. They all wear colourful bilateral hearing aids and at home use BSL to communicate. [49] 6–8 yrsDog lovers, Detective2021
Normal: One Kid's Extraordinary JourneyMagdalena Newman, Nathaniel Newman Treacher Collins syndrome and has had 67 operations for him to be able to breathe, eat and hear better. He wears BAHA hearing aids. This book is co-written with his mother and includes graphic information on his treatment.10–14 yrsTreacher Collins syndrome Autobiography2020
Now Hear This: Harper soars with her magic earsValli Gideons, Harper Gideons, Priscila SoaresThe central character, Harper, has one cochlear implant and one hearing aid. It discusses different communication methods including speech and ASL and different hearing technology including Baha hearing aids,7–12 yrsDeaf awareness2020
TURBO Racers: Escape VelocityAustin AslanThe central character is a 12-year-old CODA. Both his parents are Deaf ASL users. He is fluent in ASL.8–12 yrsRacing2020
Harriet Versus the GalaxySamantha BainesThe central character, Harriet (10), wears hearing aids and uses speech to communicate. When she finds herself defending the human race against extra-terrestrial characters with her Gran she discovers that her hearing aids as well as amplifying sound can also tune into the wavelength of many languages. There is a non-binary character called Robin also in the book. [50] Harriet lives with her grandmother while her father is away driving lorries and there is no mention of her mother. The book has many black and white illustrations.7–11 yrsSpace adventure2019
Joss: Touch the Sky - Book 2 (Girl of the Year 2020)Erin Falligant, Maike PlenzkeThis book is made by the company American Girl and a matching doll is also available. The main character Joss (10) was born profoundly deaf in her left ear and some hearing in her right ear. She wears a hearing aid on her right ear (sometimes with a headband). She predominately uses speech to communicate at school but her mother uses ASL when communicating with her and her friends and brother sign to her when she isn't wearing her hearing aid (e.g. when she is on the beach). She takes her hearing aid out for some activities such as surfing and uses an FM system at the cheerleading gym. She requests that her friends face her when speaking to her and sit on her right side and sometimes she needs to ask them to repeat themselves etc.8–10 yrsFriendship, Surfing And Family2019
Joss - Book 1 (Girl of the Year 2020)Erin Falligant

Maike Plenzke

This book is made by the company American Girl and so a matching doll is also available. The main character Joss (10) was born profoundly deaf in her left ear and some hearing in her right ear. She wears a hearing aid on her right ear (sometimes with a headband). [51] She predominately uses speech to communicate at school but her mother uses ASL when communicating with her and her friends and brother sign to her when she isn't wearing her hearing aid e.g. when she's on the beach. She takes her hearing aid out for some activities such as surfing and uses an FM system at the cheerleading gym. She requests that her friends face her when speaking to her and sit on her right side and sometimes she needs to ask them to repeat themselves etc.8–10 yrsFriendship, Surfing and Family2019
Toad Attack!Patrice Lawrence,

Becka Moor

Rosa is one of the two main characters wears a hearing aid and uses sign language and lip-reading to communicate. She has two fathers. This book has a dyslexia-friendly layout.8–10 yrsMystery, Friendship2019
The Sound of Silence, Growing up with Deaf parentsMyron UhlbergThis book is an adaptation of Myron Uhlberg's memoir 'Hands of My Father' containing details of his childhood as the hearing son of Deaf parents.9–12 yrsAutobiography2019
TURBO Racers: TrailblazerAustin AslanThe central character is a 12-year-old CODA. Both his parents are Deaf ASL users. He is fluent in ASL.8–12 yrsRacing2018
You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!Alex GinoThe central character is a 12-year-old girl and her parents have a baby, Emma, who is born deaf. The book includes their initial feelings of grief and consultations with professionals where they are encouraged to consider a CI and not to use gestures or ASL with their baby. The main Deaf character is Derek [52] who uses ASL as his first language and is Black. He attends California School for the Deaf. There are several other Deaf characters in the story.8–12 yrsRacism & Attitudes towards difference including Deafness.2018
Diary of a Hard of Hearing KidIsaiah John BaierThis memoir is written by 11-year-old Isaiah, [53] he became deaf after having meningitis at 20 months olds and wears a hearing aid on one ear, has a cochlear implant on the other side and uses speech when communicating.8+ yrsHumorous / autobiographical 11-year-old's diary2018
Left OutTim GreenThe central character, Landon (12), is Deaf and has cochlear implants and uses speech to communicate.8–12 yrsSports fiction - American Football2017
Macy McMillan and the Rainbow GoddessShari GreenThe central character, Macy (12), is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate as well as note writing. This book won the ALA Schneider Family Book Award, for Middle Grade Books in 2018 [26] and has been shortlisted for many other awards.8–12 yrsFriendships & family life2017
Echo Comes HomeMegan RixThe central character, Jake (11), became deaf after having meningitis as a younger child. He attends a mainstream school and wears hearing aids and uses lip reading and ASL to communicate better. He is lonely and longs for a hearing dog.9–11 yrsAnimal lovers2016
Feel the SoundEvangeline Duran FuentesOne of the main characters, Jake (12), became deaf after having meningitis. He uses ASL to communicate with his mother and he is teaching two friends ASL. He does not wear hearing aids.9–12 yrsFriendships and relationships2015
Destiny And Faith Get Stuck In The Country (Destiny and Faith series)Teddy O'Malley,

Angie Dickens

One of the characters, Dustin ,is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. There is another character called Cissy who is blind.6-9 yrsFriendship and Adventure2015
Silence in the Wild: A Summer in MaineDale C. JellisonThe central character, Jake (12), wears a hearing aid. He loses his hearing aid when he is left alone in a remote area.7–12 yrsFriendship and Adventure

Set in 1986 American Camp

2014
Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy! (Destiny and Faith series)Teddy O'Malley, Angie DickensOne of the characters, Dustin, is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.6-9 yrsFriendship and Adventure2014
Destiny And Faith's Summer Adventures

(Destiny and Faith series #2)

Teddy O'Malley, Angie DickensOne of the characters, Dustin, is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate, other characters sign fluently despite never meeting a Deaf person before.6-9 yrsFriendship and Adventure2014
WonderR. J. PalacioThe central character August (10) has Treacher Collins syndrome and has had 27 surgeries to correct his craniofacial anomalies. He also wears BAHA hearing aids. In the book, he starts attending the local mainstream school where he is bullied. This book is written from a variety of perspectives and is required reading for 4–5 graders at schools across the US. The book was made into a film where August still has the craniofacial syndrome but no longer has hearing loss so does not wear BAHA hearing aids. The book is a New York Times bestseller and is on Time Magazine's 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time and on the Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews List of Best of Children's Books, amongst many others.8–12 yrsLearning to accept others2012
The Salt-Stained Book (Strong Winds Trilogy #1)Julia Jones, Claudia MyattThe main character Donny (13) is a CODA, his mother, Skye, is profoundly deaf and dyslexic and uses BSL to communicate. [54] 9+ yrsSailing2011
A Ravelled Flag(Strong Winds Trilogy #2) Julia Jones, Claudia MyattThe main character Donny (14) is a CODA. His mother, Skye, is Profoundly Deaf and dyslexic and uses BSL to communicate.9+ yrsSailing2011
Young Thomas EdisonSterling NorthThis book is a biography of Thomas Edison. He became deaf at approximately 8–12 years of age. Study notes [55] 5–11 yrsAmerican History2009
Mask of the Jackal Christine Harris One of the main characters, Jordy, is deaf and uses Auslan to communicate.9–12 yrsThriller2008
Rally CapsStephen Culter, Jodi CutlerOne of the main characters in the book, Luca (10ish), is Deaf and has a cochlear implant.8–12 yrsSports Fiction -Baseball2007
The Smart Princess and Other Deaf TalesKeelin Carey Kristina Guevremont, Nicole MarshThis collection of short stories written by Canadian Deaf children, the book includes several different Deaf characters, including Deaf friends, sign language and an adult who discourages sign language.8–12 yrsFriendships And Deaf identity2007
Changes for Julie 1974

(American Girl: Julie #6)

Megan McDonaldOne of the main characters Joy (nine) is deaf and uses lip-reading, ASL and unclear speech to communicate while attending the local mainstream school.8+ yrsSet in 1970s America2007
Feathers Jacqueline Woodson The central characters brother is a Deaf ASL user called Sean, he is also a Black African-American. This book won a Newbery Honor in 2008. [56] 9–12 yrsSet in the 1970s / race / region and understanding difference2007
Nobody's Perfect

(Deaf Child Crossing #2)

Marlee Matlin The central character, Megan (nine), is Deaf and an ASL user. She attends a mainstream school and has a Sign language interpreter with her at School. A secondary character Justin is autistic and Megan teaches him some ASL.8–12 yrsFriendship2007
Deaf Culture Fairy Tales Roz Rosen , Yiqiao WangThis collection of 20 adapted classic short stories e.g. Beauty and the Beast. Each story has been adapted to include Deaf characters or characters who sign in ASL. [57] Some characters are "mute" and other have speech lessons.?Deaf culture / ASL Fairy tales2007
Leading Ladies (Deaf Child Crossing #3)Marlee MatlinThe central character, Megan (nine), is Deaf ASL user and she attends a mainstream school and has a Sign language interpreter with her at School. Lizzie (9), her best friend from camp, transfers to her School and is a main character. She is Deaf and an ASL user too.8–12 yrsFriendship / sign language2007
Singing HandsDelia RayThe central character, Gussie (12), is one of three hearing children born to a Deaf Couple CODA. Her father, Reverend Davis is Deaf as is her mother. They are both ASL users. In the story, she takes part in a trip with Alabama School for the Deaf. As the book is set in the Deaf community there are several other Deaf characters including Abe a Black Deaf child who attends Alabama School for the Deaf. The book is partially based on the author's mother's CODA experience. This book was a Book Sense Summer 2006 Children's Pick, A 2007 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, Named to the 2007 Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year List

and a Kansas’ William Allen White Award Nominee, 2008–09.

10–14 yrsSet in America in the 1940s / Racism2006
Smart Princess: And Other Deaf TalesCanadian Cultural Society of the DeafThis compilation of five short stories was written by Deaf young people and Deaf young adults who won the Ladder Awards competition. This collection of five short stories feature a range of Deaf characters. including a young princess Lyla who would one day be queen, and how she runs away from her Aunt Belle, who refuses to learn sign language. In another story, a Deaf child is teased in her mainstream school for being Deaf until she moves to the Newfoundland School for the Deaf. The group of Deaf and hearing astronauts end up on a planet where hearing people have special needs.7-9 yrs2005
Teamwork at Camp Tiago

(Keystone Stables #4)

Marsha HulberOne of the main characters, Jonathan,is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. The book is set on an American special needs Summer camp and one of the other main characters lives in foster care and has completed a crash course in ASL so can communicate with Jonathon. This book contains a Christian message. This book was reprinted in 2009 under the new title Summer Camp Adventures.9–12 yrsFoster care, Horse care,

Animal Lovers

2005 (reprinted in 2009)
Helen Keller: A photographic story of a lifeLeslie Garrett, Annie Tremmel WilcoxThis book is a biography of Helen Keller, who became Deaf-Blind at 19 months old after an illness. She initially was taught through a manual alphabet and then learned to speak and 'read lip' through touching the speaker's lips. She was also proficient in braille.10–14 yrsBiography America 1980s onwards2004
Deaf Child Crossing (Deaf Child Crossing #1)Marlee MatlinThe main character, Megan (10), is Deaf and uses ASL and "voice that sounded different to others" to communicate. One of her friends learns some ASL.8–12 yrsFriendship2004
Who was Helen KellerGare Thompson, Nancy HarrisonThis is a biography of Helen Keller. Part of a #1 New York Times bestselling series.8–12 yrsBiography America 1980s onwards2003
Amelia Lends a Hand (Amelia's Notebooks #12)Marissa MossOne of the main characters, Enzo, is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. He doesn't hear the main character when she calls to him, but he later teaches her ASL. Journal style Book, it contains plenty of doodle style pictures. Printed by American Girl.9–12 yrsFriendship2002
Deafness (Living with)Emma HaughtonThis book factual approaches deafness through looking at the lives of a group of deaf children and one deaf adult; it discusses BSL different levels of hearing loss, technology and its limitations and touches on BSL, though deaf culture isn't really discussed fully.10–12 yrsDeaf children2002
The Mystery of the Totems (Flying Fingers Club Book 5/5)Jean F. AndrewsOne of the two main characters is a boy called Matt who is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.8–12 yrsFriendship & Detective group2001
Super-Tuned!Heather HammondsThe central character, Nick, has hearing aids and uses speech and lip-reading to communicate. His hearing aid tunes into a boat in distress.5-9 yrsRescues2001
River of HandsShron KirshThis collection of four short stories by young Deaf authors and illustrators includes Deaf character in each story and references to sign language. The contributors have all won the ladder awards. A project of Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf7–11 yrsShort stories2000
Doggy Dare

(Animal Ark Pets #12)

Ben M. Baglio (pseudonym Lucy Daniels)One of the main characters, Joey, is deaf and isn't allowed much dependence by his mother so some children train a stray dog to be a hearing dog so they can keep him. The books originally were published in England, under the pseudonym Lucy Daniels in 1988.)6–8 yrsAnimal lovers2000
Nick's Secret

(Nick's Mission #2)

Claire H. BlatchfordThe central character, Nick (14), became Deaf aged six after having meningitis and communicates using lip-reading and speech. He has regular speech therapy sessions and attends a mainstream school. [58] 9–12 yrsChildren's Mystery series2000
Dovey Coe Frances O'Roark DowellOne of the main characters, Amos (13), is deaf and uses ASL to communicate with the dogs. He goes on to become a sign language teacher as an adult. The main character is accused of murder. This book won the William Allen White Children's Book Award (2013) and Edgar Award, Best Children's (2001).10–12 yrsHistorical Mystery set in the 1920s America2000
Can You Feel the ThunderLynn E. McElfreshOne of the main characters, Stephanie, is DeafBlind. The book is told from her younger brother's (13) perspective and his mixed feelings about his older DeafBlind sister. She uses touch and tactile signed manual alphabet to communicate.9–14 yearsAccepting a family member1999
Dangerous Games

(The Wolves Chronicles #5)

Joan Aiken MBE The Islands King is Deaf. This book is also published in the UK under the title Limbo Lodge.12–15 yrsFantasy historical fiction1999
Going with the FlowClaire BlatchfordThe central character, Mark (11), is the only deaf child in his mainstream school. He became deaf after having meningitis aged three, he wears hearing aids and has an ASL interpreter in class with him.8–10 yrsFriendship, anger and loneliness1998
Hannie
Barbara Luetke-StahlmanTwo of the main characters are Deaf sisters. Based on a true story and written by Hannah's mother.11 yrsDeaf siblings1996
Tuck Triumphant (Tuck #2)Theodore TaylorOne of the main characters, Chok-do wo, is adopted and is from Korea. He is referred to as "deaf-mute". The dog Tuck is blind.9+ yrsAdoption Friendship1996
Gaps in Stone WallsJohn NeufieldThe central character, Merry (12), is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. This book is set in Chilmark Martha's Vineyard in the 1880s, where at least a fifth of the population had hereditary deafness so sign language was widely used by Deaf and hearing people across island life. So the book contains a range of characters who sign, some Deaf, some hearing.10–14 yrsMurder mystery1996
The Deadly Chase (The Colonial Captives #2)Angela Elwell HuntThe book lightly touches on the history of slave trading and is set on a transatlantic boat filled with children soon to be sold into slavery. One of the characters is a deaf girl who tries to save a baby whale. This book also has a religious theme: a Jewish boy accepts Christ and becomes a Christian.10–13 yrsHistorical fiction set in 16271996
Cheshire MoonNancy ButtsThe central character, Miranda (13), is Deaf and uses ASL, lipreading and speech to communicate. Her parents insist that she speaks instead of signing.10+ yrsFantasy1996
Signs in Success

Profiles of Deaf Americans

Ron PodmoreThis book is the biographies of five Deaf Americans including Marlee Matlin and the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, I. King Jordan.8+ yrsBiography1995
Deaf Communities

A Worldwide Perspective

Jack OlsonThis books explorers Deaf experiences in different countries.11–13 yrsDeaf culture1995
Thanks A Lot!Lucille KraimanThe central character, Jordan, is moved from a School for the Deaf, where sign language is used, to a mainstream school where a deaf student cannot sign and must use speech to communicate.8–18 yrsFriendship1995
Nick's Mission

(Nick's Mission #1)

Claire H. BlatchfordThe central character, Nick (13), became Deaf aged six after having meningitis and communicates using lip-reading and speech. He has regular speech therapy sessions and attends a mainstream school. [58] 9–12 yrsChildren's mystery series1994
The Ghost of Tomahawk Creek (Flying Fingers Club 4/5)Jean F. AndrewsOne of the two main characters is a boy called Matt who is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.9–12 yrsFriendship & detective group1993
Laurent Clerc: The Story of His Early YearsCathryn Carroll, Harlan L. LaneThis fictionalised autobiography of Laurent Cleric covers his early life as a Deaf student in France and then how he came to co-found the first School for the Deaf in North America and develop new teaching methods including the use of ASL. Published by Gallaudet University Press.American Deaf History1991, reprinted in 2002
Hasta Luego, San Diego

(Flying Fingers Club Book 3/5)

Jean F. AndrewsOne of the two main characters is Matt, who is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. Printed by Gallaudet University Press.8–12 yrsFriendship & detective group1991
Secret in the Dorm Attic, The (Flying Fingers Club Book 2/5)Jean F. AndrewsOne of the two main characters is Matt, who is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. This book is set in Matt's residential Deaf school and includes other Deaf characters. Printed by Gallaudet University Press.9–12 yrsFriendship & detective group1990
Jessi's Secret Language

(The Baby-Sitters Club #16)

Ann M. MartinOne of the main characters Matt (a young child) was born Deaf; he uses ASL to communicate. He teaches ASL to his babysitter and other interested children ASL.8–12 yrsFriendships1988
The Flying Fingers Club (The Flying Fingers Club Book 1/5)Jean F. AndrewsOne of the main characters, Matt, is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. He teaches the central character Donald, who has a learning disability, to sign in ASL. Gallaudet University Press.9–12 yrsFriendship & detective group1988
All Alone (Except for My Dog Friday)Claire BlatchfordThe central character, Margret (12), is deaf and she is sure that no-one understands what it's like to be deaf apart from the dog.9–12 yrsIsolation & Animals1983
HeroChristina BridgesOne of the two main characters, Jacob, is Deaf. His ability to read lips makes him the 'hero' of the story.7–12 yrsFriendship & detective story1982
Apple is my signTroy Howell, Mary RiskindThe central character, Harry (10), is Deaf and is sent the residential Mr Bertie's School for the Deaf, in Philadelphia. His family are Deaf and sign ASL discreetly in public. His family live on an Apple farm so his Sign name is Apple. The book is set at the residential Deaf School where he meets other Deaf children including Landis whose parents encourage him to speak and lipread. [59] 10–12 yrsSet in 1899, Adventure1981

republished in 1993

Child of the Silent NightEdith Fisher Hunter, Bea HolmesThis book is based on the true story of Laura Bridgman who became deaf-blind and lost her sense of smell/taste aged two after an illness (possibly scarlet fever). She could read Braille and used tactile sign language to communicate. She spent most of her school and adult life at the Perkins Institution for the Blind. She was born 50 years before Helen Keller.9–12 yrsA slightly fictionalised account of Laura Bridgman's life, 1829–18891963, reprinted in 1971

Young Adult books with deaf characters

The readers of these books are intended to be between 13 and 18. The books are in date order.

33YA books with deaf characters
TitleAuthorDeaf Characters / Awards WonTarget AgeGerneYear First Published
Impossible MusicSean Williams,The central character, Simon (18), becomes Profoundly Deaf after a stroke aged 18. Initially he communicates through text messages and written messages and is reluctant to learn Auslan. Another main character, "G", also known as George, has recently become deaf and she also has tinnitus.14+ yrsYA Relationships And Music2019
This Is Kind of an Epic Love StoryKacen CallenderOne of the main characters, Ollie (16), is deaf and in a Gay relationship. He uses ASL or written English to communicate. He is surrounded by hearing characters who use some ASL to communicate with him. This book was nominated for the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Children's/Young Adult (2019).14–18 yrsYA Romance / LGBTQ2018
Opal (The Raven Cycle #4.5)Maggie StiefvaterOne of the main characters, Adam, is deaf in his left ear.13+ yrsYA Fantasy2018
27 Hours(The Nightside Saga #1)Tristina WrightOne of the main characters, Nyx, is deaf and uses ASL to communicate. He has Cuban ancestry and is pansexual.YA Science Fiction2017
Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA AnthologyDanielle Binks, Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Will Kostakis, Ellie Marney, Jaclyn Moriarty, Michael Pryor, Alice Pung, Gabrielle Tozer, Lili WilkinsonThis collection of short stories includes Last Night at the Mount Solemn Observatory by Danielle Binks, which has a deaf character called King (18) who uses Auslan to communicate. This Anthology won the Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) for Older Children Age 13+ (2018.) Teacher notes are available. [60] 14+ yrs2017
Smelly Hearing Aids and Fishy Lips: a deaf teenager's journalMarc Heyez [61] The central character, Egg (17), is a teenage deaf boy "living in a hearing society" who uses lip-reading, hearing aids and speech to communicate. He has speech lessons in the book.14–18 yrsSet in 1983 Canada

Comedy / Fiction

2017
You're Welcome, UniverseWhitney GardnerThe central character, Julia, is Deaf and has two Deaf mothers, is of Indian descent and uses ASL, lip-reading and written English to communicate. She first attends Kingston School for the Deaf and then attends a mainstream school. [62] Her friend, Jordyn, is also deaf, has a cochlear implant and uses both her voice and ASL to communicate. Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award for teenagers in 2018. [26] and Official Selection, Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year and Official selection, Tayshas Reading List.14+ yrsYA Realistic Fiction / Art2017
Being Jazmine (Invisible book 3)Cecil PatersonThe central character, Jazmine (14), starts by wearing hearing aids but stops wearing them and develops friendships with Deaf Auslan users. [63] She attends deaf camp where she makes friends with many Deaf Auslan users.13-16 yrsYA Friendships And Deaf Identity2017
A Quiet Kind of ThunderSara BarnardOne of the two main characters, Rhys, is Deaf and uses BSL to communicate. The other main character Steffi has been a selective mute for much of her life and the characters use BSL to communicate with each other.Romance / Mental Health2017
Tone DeafOlivia RiversThe main character, Ali Collins, is 17 and became Deaf at the age of 10 following a brain tumour. She uses lip-reading, speech and ASL to communicate.YA Romance, Music2016
The Ghost Rebellion

(A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel #5)

Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris, Philippa BallantineOne of the characters is deaf and uses sign language. They are an active operative of the Ministry.Science Fiction, Steampunk2016
The Raven King

(The Raven Cycle #4)

Maggie StiefvaterOne of the main characters, Adam, is deaf in his left ear. This book was a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Adult Literature (2017) and Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2016).YA Fantasy2016
Talk Under WaterKathryn LomerOne of the two main characters, Summer (16), has been deaf since birth and uses Auslan and written English to communicate. In the story, one of the other main characters learns Auslan.YA Romance & Family2015
There Will Be LiesNick LakeOne of the main characters, Shelby (17), is profoundly deaf and uses lip-reading and ASL to communicate.YA Mystery / Fantasy2015
Song of SummerLaura Lee AndersonOne of the two central characters is Carter, who is Profoundly Deaf and was adopted by a family which are part of the New York Deaf community. His father is Deaf, his mother a housewife and an ASL interpreter and his sister (nine) has a cochlear implant which works well. Carter has had unsuccessful cochlear implant surgery and uses ASL to communicate. He often feels left out of the conversation when with hearing people. One of the main characters learns ASL in the book. [64] 12+ yrsYA Music / Romance2015
SilenceDeborah LyttonOne of the two main characters, Stella (15), becomes deaf after a head injury which takes place during the book. She uses speech to communicate and gets a cochlear implant. The other main character Hayden has a stutter. Described as a Clean Romance Book. Both the main characters have "damaged childhoods".12+ yrsYA Romance2015
A Handful of SpellsKimberley A. ShawThe central character, Caitlin, is deaf and uses speech and lip-reading to communicate. She goes to the school for witches, and there are attempts to assist her hearing using magi—the effect is similar to wearing hearing aids and does not cure or completely restore her hearing, as she still has many misunderstandings.YA Fantasy2014
Flying to the Fire

(Flying #2)

Elyse SalpeterOne of the two main characters, Danny (13), is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate combined with some lip-reading and speech.YA Action / Thriller / Afterlife2014
Waiting for a SignEsty SchachterOne of the main characters, Ian (17) is Deaf and uses lip-reading and ASL to communicate. He attends Hawthorne School for the Deaf. The central character is his hearing sister and she is a fluent ASL signer. The book explores the relationships within families when one member is Deaf.12+ yrsYA Fiction Deaf culture2014
Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)Maggie StiefvaterOne of the main characters, Adam (17-18), is deaf in his left ear. Adam is bisexual. This book has been nominated for these awards, Locus Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Novel (2015), Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Adult Literature (2017), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2014).14+ yrsYA Fantasy / Paranormal / LGBTQ2014
Invisible (Book 1)Cecil PatersonThe central character Jazmine aged 12, sometimes wears a hearing aid and uses lip-reading and speech to communicate. This book was a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough novel award in 2014.10-17 yrsYA Romance2014
Invincible (Invisible book 2)Cecil PatersonThe central character, Jazmine (13), sometimes wears a hearing aid and uses lip-reading and speech to communicate.9-16 yrsYA2014
The Fifth Vertex (The Sigilord Chronicles #1)Kevin HoffmanThe central character, Urus, was born Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. The book started with him attempting to commit suicide; he later becomes the hero of the story with his magical powers, which develop as a result of his suicide attempt.YA Fantasy2014
The Dream Thieves

(The Raven Cycle #2)

Maggie StiefvaterOne of the main characters, Adam, is Deaf in his left ear and is in a homosexual relationship. This book has been nominated for several awards including the Locus Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Novel (2014), Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Adult Literature (2017), Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2015), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2013).YA Fantasy2013
Sounds of SilencePhillip Tomasso IIIThe central character, Marco, becomes deaf aged 12 after being ill with meningitis. He attends a residential Deaf School while learning ASL.YA Fiction2013
My Haunting LoveJ. S. WilsoncroftThe central character, Calista (16), is deaf and starts the book by leaving the school for the Deaf she attends to go to a mainstream school. She uses ASL to communicates and so does the Ghost in the story.YA Ghost2013
Dragonswood

(Wilde Island Chronicles #2)

Janet Lee CareyThe central character, Tess (17), is deaf in one ear which is swollen and cauliflower-shaped as a consequence of repeatedly being beaten by her father. The book is set in the Middle Ages.YA Fantasy2012
Goodbye TchaikovskyMichael ThalThe central character, David (12), is a violist and suddenly becomes profoundly deaf. In the story, he learns ASL and lip-reading.8+ yrsYA Music2012
The Raven Boys

(The Raven Cycle #1)

Maggie StiefvaterOne of the main characters, Adam, is Deaf in his left ear. This book has been nominated for several awards including Bram Stoker Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Novel (2012), Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Adult Literature (2017), Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2015), Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2014), The Inky Awards for Silver Inky (2013).YA Fantasy2012
Invincible SummerHannah MoskowitzOne of the main characters, Gideon, was born deaf and uses a form of sign language to communicate.YA Romance2011
WhisperChrisse KeigheryThe central character, Demi (16), became profoundly deaf when she had meningitis aged 14. She uses lip-reading, speech and Auslan to communicate. She attends a college for the Deaf and has a Deaf friend called Stella who uses Auslan to communicate and is proud to be Deaf.YA Romance2011
Wonderstruck Brian Selznick Both the main characters are Deaf: Ben was born deaf in his left ear then becomes profoundly deaf after being hit by lightning. He uses speech and written English to communicate. Rose is born Deaf and communicates using ASL and some lipreading and speech. [65] The story is told in pictures when telling Rose's story. This book won the Schneider Family Book Award - Middle School Winner 2012. It was made into a film in 2017 called Wonderstruck.YA Fiction2011
Five Flavors of DumbAntony JohnThis book's main character is Piper who is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate. The family has a hereditary deafness and her new baby sister is born deaf and has a cochlear implant fitted. [66] Winner of a 2011 Schneider Family Book Award. [67] 12+ yrsYA Romance

/ Music

2010
Freak CityKathrin SchrockleOne of the two main characters, Leah, is deaf from birth and uses speech, lipreading and sign language to communicate. This book has been translated from German by Tammi Reichel and in 2019 a film based on the book was to be launched entitled Freak City.YA Romance2010 Reprinted in 2014
The Dark Days of Hamburger HalpinJosh BerkThe central character, Will, transfers from a Deaf School to a mainstream school and uses lip-reading and sign language to communicate.YA Fiction2010
T4: A Novel in VerseAnn Clare LezotteThe central character, Paula (13), is Deaf from an early age and used gestures to communicate before learning sign language in the book. The T4 program aimed to sterilize and/or kill thousands of Jews with disabilities.12+ yrsSet in Nazis Germany2008
Read My LipsTeri BrownThe central character, Serena, is deaf and wears hearing aids and uses lip-reading and speech to communicate. Reading lips sometimes causes some confusion.YA Romance2008
At Face ValueEmily FranklinThe central character is taught ASL by Linus who is a hearing child of Deaf parents or a CODA.12+ yrsYA Romance2008
The King Commands: (Tales of the Borderlands #2)Meg BurdenThe Deaf character Finn has a more prominent role in this book. He uses sign language to communicate with his family and also occasionally uses lip reading and telepathy as many of the other characters in the book are also telepathic.11–15 yearsYA Fantasy2008
The White Darkness Geraldine McCaughrean The central character, Sym (14), is deaf, she wears hearing aids and uses speech and lip-reading to communicate. This book was a Michael L. Printz award winner (2008) and Whitbread Children's Book Award (2005).YA Adventure2008
Northlander

(Tales of the Borderlands #1)

Meg BurdenOne of the characters is called Finn. He is Deaf and uses Sign Language to communicate with his family and occasionally uses lip reading and telepathy as many of the other characters in the book are also telepathic. This book was awarded Book of the Year, YA Fiction by ForeWord Magazine and International Reading Association Notable Book.12+ yrsYA Fantasy2007
Hurt Go HappyGinny RorbyThe central character, Joey (13), became deaf when she was six years old following abuse and wears hearing aids and uses speech and lip-reading (with limited success) to communicate. Her mother doesn't let her learn to sign but in the story she learns ASL. [68] This book has won the Schneider Family Book Award for Teen Book (2008) and was a Missouri Truman Readers Award Nominee (2009.)12+ yrsYA Realistic Fiction/ Animal testing, rights2006
Dr Sylver and the Repository of the Past (The Sylver Chronicles #2)Paul KercalOne of the main characters, Charlotte, is deaf, she attends a mainstream school.12-16 yrsYA Christian novel, teenage pregnancy, depression and self harm2006
Dr Sylver and the Library of Everything (The Sylver Chronicles #1)Paul KercalOne of the main characters, Charlotte, is deaf and attends a mainstream school.12-16 yrsYA Christian novel, bullying2004
The Raging QuietSherryl JordanThis book is set in medieval times. One of the main characters, Raven, is deaf. He is frequently misunderstood but does develop a signed/gestural communication system with one of the other characters.12–14 yrsYA Historical Romantic Fiction2004
Of Sound MindJean FerrisThe central character, Theo, is a CODA and is bilingual in English and ASL. He is the only hearing person in his family and his brother and his parents are Deaf and communicate using ASL. There is another CODA in the book called Ivy.12-17 yrs2004
Read My LipsJana Novotny HunterThe central character, Cat (teenager), became Profoundly deaf after having meningitis when she was five. In the story, she had learnt to speak before she lost her hearing but as she now lives in a residential Deaf school she no longer uses her voice. The students at the Deaf School are divided—some use spoken English to communicate, others use sign language. Cat's best friend is a Deaf sign language user. There is also another main character Joey who has transferred from another school and uses a total communication approach (speech and sign similarly). In the book, there is a school debate on speaking vs. signing vs. total communication. The writer has two profoundly deaf siblings were and hearing parents.12–14 yrsRomance2002
Finding AbbyVirginia M. ScottOne of the main characters, Abby, becomes deaf aged 14 after meningitis and dies aged 16. The book explores Abby's feeling about becoming deaf.13+ yrs2000
Balancing ActVirginia M. ScottThe central character, Beth (15), became deaf and has balance difficulties after a childhood illness.YA Family Relationships1997
Mary Mehan Awake (Becoming Mary MehanBook2)Jennifer ArmstrongThe central character falls in love with Henry, left deaf by the war after exposure to loud explosions. He communicates by writing notes and she describes sounds to him.11+ yrsHistorical fiction, set in America1997
A Sudden SilenceEve BuntingThe central character's brother, Bry (16), is deaf and uses lip-reading and sign language to communicate. He is killed in the presence of the main character by a hit-and-run driver. He could not hear the car coming from behind. This book has won the California Young Readers Medal for Young Adult (1992) and Oklahoma Sequoyah Award for YA (1991).12+ yrsMurder mystery / Alcoholism1988 reprinted in 2007
Bird-eyesMadelyn ArnoldOne of the main characters is Anna, who is a Deaf widow admitted to a mental hospital in the 1960s for depression. She is 'not allowed' to sign by the authorities but does teach the central character to sign. This book won the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Debut Fiction (1988).LGBQ / Mental Health1988, reprinted in 2000
BelongingVirginia M. ScottThe main character, Gustie, is 15 when she becomes deaf in her right ear after having meningitis. The book is about her adjusting to her new circumstances. Gustie uses a hearing aid and lip reading to communicate and then learns to fingerspell. She has a boyfriend and meets his brother and sister-in-law who are both Deaf. She returns to her mainstream school where her friends are unkind. She has a notetaker at School. Published by Gallaudet University Press.YA Romance / Friendships1986

Books for Adults with deaf characters

TitleAuthorDeaf Characters / Awards WonTarget AgeGerneYear 1st Published
Normal: A Mother and Her Beautiful SonMagdalena NewmanThis book is the autobiography of the mother of a teenage son with severe Treacher Collins syndrome, a craniofacial condition which affects his ability to breathe, hear or eat. In the book he has 67 surgeries and wears BAHA hearing aids.Autobiography2020
Dark Pines (Tuva Moodyson Mystery 1)Will DeanThe central character, Tuva, became deaf after having meningitis as a child and as an adult she wears hearing aids and uses lip-reading and speech to communicate.Crime thriller2018
Friend (With Benefits) ZoneLaura BrownBoth the main characters, which are in a romantic relationship, are deaf.Romance2017
Diary of a Beautiful DisasterKristin BartzokisThis book is the autobiography of a lady with Treacher Collins syndrome, a craniofacial condition which can also cause hearing loss. She wears a BAHA hearing aid and uses speech to communicate. In the book she has some awful medical experiences following surgery.Autobiography2017
Levi (Forbidden Desires #2)Justine ElviraA small character, a child, is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.18+ yrsErotic Fiction2017
Silent FearLance Morcan, James MorcanThis book is set in a fictional University for the Deaf—most of the characters are Deaf or can use BSL to communicate.Horror2017
And Fire Came Down (Caleb Zelic #2) Emma Viskic The central character, Caleb, is Profoundly Deaf since a young child and uses lip-reading and Auslan to communicate. There are other characters who use sign language.Australian Crime / Mystery2017
Deafness GainMichael UniackeThis second book in the autobiography of Michael Uniacke tells how, as an adult, he explores his deaf identity and joins a deaf community of non-signers. [69] Autobiography2016
The Silent Book: A Deaf Family and the Disappearing Australian-Irish Sign LanguageBernadette T WallisThis book is based on the true story of a deaf family in Victoria, Australia and focuses on the Australian-Irish Sign language that was used by the Catholic Deaf Community but is no longer taught in Schools.Australian Deaf History2016
Signs of AttractionLaura BrownThe main character, Carli, has hearing aids and uses speech to communicate and learns ASL. Another character Reed is also deaf. [70] They meet while studying at university.18-25 yrsNew Adult / Romance2016
Rock Candy Kisses

(3:AM Kisses #5)

Addison MooreThe central character, Annie (19), was born Profoundly Deaf and uses lip-reading and ASL to communicate. In the book, her mother encourages her to get a cochlear implant which she does and then rapidly develops very clear speech. Annie previously attended a school for the hearing impaired and is starting at Whitney Briggs University where she has an ASL interpreter in class.New Adult / Erotic Romance2015
Resurrection Bay

(Caleb Zelic #1)

Emma ViskicThe central character, Caleb (in his 30s), is a deaf private detective. He became deaf aged five after having meningitis and uses lip-reading with strangers and Auslan to communicate with his deaf friends. The book describes times when he can't follow what is being said and reminds others to move to ensure their face is well lit. This book has won several awards: the 2016 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction, Davitt Awards for Best Novel, Best Debut and Reader's Choice, iBooks Australia's Crime Novel of the Year and was shortlisted for the UK Gold Dagger and New Blood Awards. Nominated for Barry Award for Best paperback.Australian Crime Thriller2015
Graeme Clark: the man who invented the bionic earMark WorthingThis book is a biography of Graeme Clark, the man who invented cochlear implants. There deaf people in the book include his father who had hearing loss.Biography2015
SignsAnna MartinThe central character, Caleb (18), wears hearing aids, has social anxiety and doesn't feel part of the Deaf community. He uses a shorthand form of ASL to communicate at home with his parents. In the story, he's in a Gay relationship and the book includes explicit sex scenes. [71] He previously went to a special school but is now in a mainstream school.18+ yrsNew Adult, Erotic, LGBTQ Romance2015
Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and FoundRebecca A. Alexander, Sascha AlperThis autobiography is written by Rebecca Alexander. She has Usher syndrome type III which has caused her to have progressive hearing and sight loss from childhood.Autobiography2015
Different ways of beingAlan BalterThe book starts with Willa and Robert, a couple deaf from birth who are culturally Deaf, and have a child called Seth. Seth goes to Gallaudet University and has a Deaf boyfriend called Jacob. The Deaf characters and Seth use ASL to communicate.Deaf culture, LGBTQ+2015
Deafness DownMichael Uniacke, Rachel BurtThis autobiography tells the story of Michael Uniacke's (6+) childhood, while deaf in a Catholic mainstream school. [72] He also has three deaf siblings and one hearing sister.Autobiography 1960s Australia2015
Maybe Someday

(Maybe #1)

Colleen HoovOne of the main characters, Ridge (24), is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.New Adult Romance2014
What Is VisibleKimberly ElkinsThis book is based on the true story of Laura Bridgman who became deaf-blind and lost her sense of smell/taste aged two after an illness (possibly scarlet fever). She could read Braille and used tactile sign language to communicate. She spent most of her school and adult life at the Perkins Institution for the Blind. She was born 50 years before Helen Keller. The book includes her periods of unhappiness, self-harm and anorexia. This book has won the David J. Langum Sr. Prize for American Historical Fiction (2014).Historical Biography set in America 1829–18892014
Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman's Journey of Love, Identity, and AdoptionBrandi Rarus, Gail HarrisThis is the true story of a Deaf couple: Brandi was raised orally after becoming Deaf aged six and then later joined the Deaf community and her husband Tim was from a Deaf multigenerational family which used ASL to communicate. They had three hearing sons before they adopted Zoe, a baby with progressive hearing loss.Deaf Culture/ Adoption / Autobiography2014
The Art of Being Deaf: A MemoirDonna McDonaldIn this autobiography, Donna tells how she went to an oral deaf school aged five then onto mainstream schools where she used lip-reading and speech to communicate and then spent her adult life in the 'hearing world'. This book is published by the Gallaudet University Press.Autobiography2014
Smart, Sexy and Secretive

(The Reed Brothers #2)

Tammy FalknerOne of the two main characters, Logan, became deaf after a childhood illness and uses speech to communicate.18+Romance2013
Song Without Words: Discovering My Deafness Halfway through LifeGerald SheaThis autobiography is by Gerald Shea who became deaf after an illness aged six, His hearing status was discovered when he went to a mandatory hearing test for a new job aged 34. He now wears hearing aids and uses lip-reading and speech to communicate.Autobiography2013
Tall, Tatted and Tempting

(The Reed Brothers #1)

Tammy FalknerOne of the two main characters, Logan, became deaf after a childhood illness and initially chooses not to talk but later uses speech to communicate.18 +Romance2013
What Did You Say? An Unexpected Journey Into the World of Hearing LossMonique E. Hammond2012
Listening Closely: A Journey to Bilateral HearingArlene RomoffThe author started to become deaf in her teenage years and much later had bilateral cochlear implant surgery.Autobiography2011
Kicking Up Dirt: A True Story of Determination, Deafness, and DaringAshley Fiolek, Caroline RyderThis book is an autobiography of Ashley Fiolek's life and career. She was born Deaf and uses ASL to communicate.2011
Deaf in DC: A Memoir (Gallaudet New Deaf Lives Book 9)Madan VasishtaThis autobiography by Madan tells how he became deaf aged 11 and later went on to learn Indian Sign Language and ASL and become an associate professor at Gallaudet University.Autobiography2011
Flying to the Light

(Flying #1)

Elyse SalpeterOne of the two main characters, Danny (six), is Deaf and uses ASL to communicate, combined with some lip-reading and speech.Fantasy / Thriller2011
Breaking the Sound Barriers: 9 Deaf Success StoriesJulie PostanceNine true stories: five parents of deaf children and four children from deaf adults and the variety of paths they took in life. The stories include different communication choices including speech, Auslan and bilingual upbringings.Biographies2009
St. Nacho's

(St. Nacho's #1)

Z. A. MaxfieldOne of this book's two main characters is deaf. Shawn is part of a Deaf theatre group as is Kevin, also Deaf. Shawn is also Gay and uses lip-reading, written English and ASL to communicate. This book is very sexually explicit.18 +LGBTQ / Romance2008
Echo (Sensations #2)Clint KellyOne of the main characters, Cody (13), is deaf, wears hearing aids and uses speech to communicate.18 yrs2007
Whitethorn WoodsMaeve BinchyMelanie is the Deaf Character in the story and she appears towards the end of the book. She is Profoundly deaf, attended an all-girl deaf school as a child and communicates in sign language and speech and later enrols in a training program to teach deaf children.Irish Family Saga / Romance2007
Teaching from the Heart and Soul: The Robert F. Panara Story (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 6)Harry G. LangThis biography is about Robert who became deaf aged 10 after having meningitis. He used ASL to communicate.Biography2007
Neither–Nor: A Young Australian's Experience with Deafness (The Fifth Deaf Lives Series)Paul JacobsThis is a biography of Jason who became deaf aged five and uses speech and lip-reading to communicate. He attends university and plays in the Deaf Australian World Cup cricket team but never learns to sign. Published by the Gallaudet University Press.Biography, Australia2007
Deafening Frances ItaniThe main character in this book, Grania O'Neill, becomes Deaf after having Scarlet fever aged five. She initially lives at home, then attends Ontario School for the Deaf where she learns sign language and speech. This book won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book in Caribbean and Canada (2004). This book starts in Canada but follows characters to the United States, England, Belgium and France.Set in WW1 (1915–19) Canada2007
Buy a Watch, Get a Wife!Rachel BrownThe main character, Rachel, has a master's degree in Deaf Education and is an "elementary school hearing-impaired teacher," her role includes ASL interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing students across the school. Her students and her relationship with them are included in the book.Romance, Husband in US Army goes to Iraq2006
Isles of viewC. F. BrunnerThe book focuses on a couple's relationship dynamics, as deaf/hearing, of which the author has first-hand experience One of the two main characters is Dan who has been profoundly deaf since he was a toddler and uses speech, lip-reading and sign language to communicate.Love story, relationship conflict2006
Girl in the Shadow V. C. Andrews The central character comes to life with Echo (14), who is deaf and uses ASL to communicate, and her elderly grandmother.Horror / Family saga2006
Deaf in Delhi: A Memoir (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 4)Madan VasishtaThis autobiography tells the story of Madan's life, how he went deaf at 11 after being ill with typhoid fever and the mumps. He started life in India and at aged 20, learnt Indian Sign Language and later gained a Degree from Gallaudet college where he learnt ASL.Autobiography2006
Silent Ears, Silent Heart: A Deaf Man's Journey Through Two WorldsBlair LaCrosse, Michelle LaCrosseThe main character, Christopher, was born into a hearing family and the book follows his journey navigating the Deaf and hearing worlds.Deaf culture and identity2003
Hear Again: Back to Life with a Cochlear ImplantArlene RomoffThe author's experience of having a cochlear implant.Autobiography2002
Havana Heat: A novel Darryl BrockThe central character in this book is Luther "Dummy" Taylor who was born deaf and used ASL to communicate. He was a successful baseball pitcher in the early 1900s. This semi-fictional account of his life includes a trip to Cuba where he meets children from the deaf School, La Escuela delOrejas, and specifically forms a friendship with another deaf character called Luis (19) who also uses ASL to communicate. The book is set in 1911 America. Later in the book he teaches and coaches at the Illinois School for the Deaf and shortly before his death is honored by Kansas School for the Deaf which he attended as a child. The book was awarded the Dave Moore Award in 2000.Baseball Historical Fiction2000
Talk Talk T. C. BoyleDana, now in her 30s, became deaf aged four after an infection. She is now a fiercely independent strong woman who is an English teacher at a school for the deaf in San Roque. Her voice gives away that she is deaf and she also uses ASL to communicate. This book won the California Book Award for Fiction (Silver) (2006).Suspense & Thriller / Crime2000
A Quiet World: Living with Hearing LossDavid MyresThe author's experience of hearing loss later in life.Biography2000
Living Legends

Stories about Successful Deaf People, Book 2

Darlene TooleBiographies of Danny Delcambre, Kathy Buckley, Ken Glickman, Bethany "Buffy" Hummel, Dr.Robert Davila and Laurene Gallimore.Biography1998
Discoveries

Significant Contributions of Deaf Women and Men

Anita Davis, Katharine PrestonTwenty Deaf people who have made significant contributions to their field of specialism.1998
Melody V. C. Andrews The main character moves in with May (10) who is deaf and uses ASL to communicate with her family.Family saga / Horror1996
Living Legends

Stories about Successful Deaf People, Book 1

Darlene TooleBiographies of six Deaf people, Evelyn Glennie, Howie Seago, Dr. Shirley Allen, John Woo, Karen Meyer and Paul Ogden.Biographies1996
A Maiden's GraveJeffery DeaverThe main event in this book is that a bus of eight deaf students (aged 8–17 years) are taken hostage with their teachers. The children from the School for the Deaf all use ASL to communicate. This book was made into a film called Dead Silence in 1997.18+ yrsSuspense & Thriller1995, republished in 2001.
Silent Songs

(StarBridge #5)

A. C. Crispin, Kathleen O'MalleyOne of the main characters, Tesa, is a Native American woman who was born Deaf, uses sign language and sometimes communicates through a telepath. There is another deaf character with an alternative attitude to her deafness.Science Fiction1994
Silent Dances

(StarBridge #2)

A. C. Crispin, Kathleen O'MalleyOne of the main characters, Tesa, is a Native American woman who was born Deaf and uses sign language to communicate.Science Fiction1994
My island: The True Story of a Silent ChallengeMaggie Gordon, Hamish RosieAutobiography of Hamish Rosie, landscape artist and graphic designer, who was profoundly Deaf and lived on the island of Orkney in Scotland. His illustrations are used in the book.Autobiography1991
What's That Pig Outdoors?: A Memoir of DeafnessHenry KisorThis book is an autobiography by Henry Kisor. He became deaf aged three after having meningitis and communicates by using lip-reading, written and spoken English.Autobiography1990
Deaf Heritage - a Narrative History of Deaf America (Gallaudet Classics in Deaf Studies)Jack GannonDetailed American Deaf History1981 republished in 2012
The Stand Stephen KingOne of the main characters, Nick, was born profoundly deaf and aged nine he was taught to lip-read, read and write by another "deaf-mute" called Rudy. Neither child uses sign language to communicate. The original 1978 book won several awards Locus Award Nominee for Best SF Novel (1979), World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (1979), Gandalf Award Nominee (1979), Balrog Award Nominee for Best Novel (1979) (1980).18+ yrsPostapocalyptic Horror/Fantasy1978 uncut version published in 1991
In This SignJoanne GreenbergThe central characters, Abel and Janice, are both Deaf and use ASL to communicate. They are both members of the Deaf community and met at a school for the Deaf and Blind. They have a daughter called Margret who is hearing. As a CODA she often interprets for them at the bank etc and she feels the weight of this responsibility. The book was made into a 1985 film called Love Is Never Silent .Set in the 1920s till the 1960s, Deaf Culture, Something of a CODA child's perspective1970 republished in 1984

See also

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Further reading