I don’t know how I got to be a lucky, lucky reader this week but I did. I was leaving my house and my other half takes out a package that looks like a book. I have already come clean about my addiction to books so he was none-too-thrilled that there was yet another book in the mailbox. However, I was confused because I knew that I didn’t have one coming. What could it be?? EL DEAFO!!! To the rescue! I jumped up and down and felt an overwhelming sense of “I won the lottery!” I was ecstatic to say the least. I read the book that day and tweeted my love for it. Now, it is my first book that I am doing my “5 Spark Share” that will be my structure for sharing books with readers. I hope you enjoy the post and if not, I know you will enjoy the book!
5 Quotes/Lines that Struck Me:
“It’s been two weeks since the hospital. Just because I can’t hear good doesn’t mean I can’t look good.” “That’s the dumbest question I ever–wait a minute! Here’s my chance to get out of this!” “Best-or worst-of all, I can even hear Mrs. Lufton when she USES THE BATHROOM!” [cackle] “Oh, why do I even care what other people think.” “Sixty-four seconds! I am El Deafo! I am a champion!” [I love the grittiness Cece shows her PE teacher. Nothing like proving disbelieving people wrong!]
4 Things I Adored about this Book:
I loved the progression from 4 year old Cece to the tween Cece and the trials and tribulations in between. I adored Cece’s love for wearing bathing suits and being true to herself. In this same area, I loved that she was honest with the struggle of knowing who she is and feeling the pressures of fitting in. I loved the *crush* and her thinking/thoughts about it and the power of the rosette! I loved the realness and honesty displayed in the story and the “A Note from the Author” at the end.
3 Types of Readers I Think Will Be Sparked:
Readers who love Graphic Novels! Readers that loved Smile and Drama by Raina Telegmeier will absolutely love El Deafo! Readers who are going through uncomfortable growing pains (which is life!) and need to know that they are not alone and will turn out fine!
2 Connections I Made:
The word “macaroni” that is also in the book Cece Bell illustrated with husband, Tom Angelberger Crankee Doodle. I know it is a small thing but I didn’t say my connections were going to change the world. I just love that both books have macaroni in it. It is a fancy word. I also found a connection to my all-time favorite book, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. It is a short snippet but enough to give it away to those that know and love that book- and it is during read-aloud time (my favorite part of my teaching day)!
1 Good Reason to Go Read It Right NOW:
Well, I know that the book isn’t released until September 2, 2014 but the minute you get it, read it because it is a gem. You will wish you were friends with El Deafo. You will feel like hugging the book because you probably can’t hug Cece when you finish and trust me, you will want to hug the book. It is a 5-hug book!
Thank you to Abrams books for sending an ARC my way! It was the best surprise ever!
The Second Library 