September is Deaf Awareness Month
From the website of the American Society for Deaf Children: “Our mission is to raise awareness and understanding of the unique communication needs and vibrant identities of those who are deaf or hard of hearing. By fostering empathy and support, we strive to ensure that everyone receives the recognition and resources they truly deserve.”
A group of children’s book authors has come together to spotlight deaf or hard of hearing characters in their books.
Ada and the Helpers, by Travis D. Peterson; illustrated by Melissa Fischer (Launch Mission Publishing) — Disabilities / Illness, Non-English Languages, Kindness / Generosity / Support, Art / Performing Arts, ages 3–9.
“Be bold! Be brave! Let you be you… and let’s help others, too!”
That’s Ada’s motto.
Ada is a dancing, deaf fox with cochlear implants who loves to help others. On her way to dance in a talent show one day, she meets three other creatures who are each facing a physical challenge or disability of their own. She decides to help each of her new friends to see past their challenges and discover their natural, God-given strengths. But can they help her in return? Ada’s a bit nervous about the talent show!
Will she be able to hear the music clearly?
Will everyone laugh at her?
Extraordinary Jordyn and her Bionic Ears, by Dr. Jasmine Simmons; illustrated by Caryn Marie (Dr. Jasmine Simmons) — Disabilities / Illness, Non-English Languages, Social Emotional Learning, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, ages 3–9.
Extraordinary Jordyn and her Bionic Ears is an encouraging story about a young elementary school girl who is passionate about space and self-advocacy.
In this short story, the reader will explore Jordyn as she learns to overcome being judged for having a cochlear implant and a hearing aid. This story is meant to uplift children like Jordyn who may be learning to accept and celebrate their unique differences.
Love Sounds Like, by Hannah Jessen Conway; illustrated by Remesh Ram (Hjc Publishing, L.L.C.) — Imagination / Play, Kindness / Generosity / Support, Family / Community, Disabilities / Illness, ages 3–9.
We don’t have to experience the world the same way to experience love.
Before Shepherd removes his cochlear implant processors at night, he asks his mama what love sounds like. Using creative dialogue, they explore not just what love sounds like, but what it smells, feels, tastes, and looks like. Together, they discover that love is much more than a sound.
Readers of all ages will fall in love with this heartfelt children’s bedtime tale, written in soothing rhyme and featuring a sweet conversation between a hearing mother and her deaf son.
Mighty Mila: Dream Job, by Katie Petruzziello; illustrated by Nadja Sarell (Mighty Books, LLC) — Careers / Hobbies, Imagination / Play, Disabilities / Illness, Social Emotional Learning, ages 3–9.
DREAM BIG. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. BE MIGHTY.
Career Day is on Monday, which means that Mila only has the weekend to explore all the things she wants to be when she grows up!
Will she be a dessert chef? A sticker artist? A veterinarian for magical creatures? Or maybe she’ll become a famous deaf rockstar ballerina!
Despite any challenges she faces, Mila knows she can be anything she dreams of being.
But there’s just one problem… What is her perfect dream job?
Mighty Mila: Dream Job turns the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” into an exciting adventure. Join Mila, a spunky and imaginative deaf girl, as she embarks on a journey to discover her dream job. Through her explorations, Mila shows readers that regardless of challenges, they can dream big, embrace their unique qualities, and believe they can achieve anything they aspire to be.
My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me—Illustrated in American Sign Language, by Kathleen Marcath; illustrated by Isaac Liang & Pardeep Mehra (ASL Picture Books LLC) — Disabilities / Illness, Non-English Languages, Construction / Transportation, Social Emotional Learning, ages 3–9.
This little boy loves monster trucks and playing at Grandma’s house! But after an exhausting day with his big, purple, and loud favorite toy, he’s devastated to discover the shiny truck is gone!
Is it hiding somewhere? Did he leave it at Grandma’s? Will he ever see his beloved best friend again?
In this delightfully engaging story with stunning illustrations and familiar themes, Kathleen Marcath invites young readers to interact by using American Sign Language along with the characters in the book. And with 32 ASL signs shown in easy-to-understand images, downloadable educational sheets, and a QR code for ASL video lessons, kids will spark their bilingual journey through a colorful and powerful resource.
We Deaf-initely Can: Let the Adventures Begin, by Karlie Waldrip; illustrated by Lucy Rogers (Karlie Waldrip) — Animals, Disabilities / Illness, Non-English Languages, Social Emotional Learning, ages 3–9.
Join Karlie and Rhett in their latest book, We Deaf-initely Can, Let the Adventures Begin, as they embark on new and exciting journeys together. Start your day with them, explore fun adventures, and end with a celebration of bravery in trying new things. Immerse yourself in sign language and witness how they embrace the joy of going on adventures.
Written in a perspective of a deaf dog by a deaf author and a deaf illustrator.
For more children’s books with deaf or hard of hearing characters, these sites have great recommendations:
Want to explore some other diverse reads? Be sure to check out any of our Inclusivity booklists!
