"El Deafo" by Cece Bell

FINALLY got a copy of this uber-popular graphic novel that nearly every student in APS seems to have read this year.  The semi-autobiographical story is that of Cece as a child, when an early illness left her with hearing loss.  The resultant hearing aides (think 1970s) was so big and bulky that it made her feel very self-conscious and isolated.  But that isn't really the point of the tale.  It's a story about growing up and making friends (or not).  Ms. Bell's chapters show a realistic slice of life that all can relate to.  There is the friend who seems nice, but isn't, the friend who bosses you around, the friend who looks down on you -- and putting up with it all because having a friend is better than being lonely, which can feel like a big bubble separating you from the world.  Somehow, the graphic novel format is perfect for this, with Cece's character marching around in a bubble, looking lost.  Interestingly enough, it's more engaging than it is depressing or sad.  The bright colors and slick pages are enticing and help brighten the mood and put the narrative in perspective.  With the characters portrayed as rabbits (kinda, sorta), there is additional universal appeal because the book, while good for mid-ranges (grades 4 to 8) is not clearly defined as a "girl book" or "boy book."  We get it -- growing up isn't nearly as fun as adults think, and the day to day struggles make you want to fantasize about having the power to really make a change in your life -- which you can't.  Brava to Ms. Bell for sharing her struggles with us, including a brutal honesty that even her main character messes up (a lot).  A very worthy and appealing read on multiple levels.  This one deserves the fame.