Bridging the Gap Between the Hearing & Deaf Worlds
If you are looking for a fun graphic novel where the main character is deaf and it is suitable for all ages, ‘El Deafo’ is a book that you must pick up.
I have decided to review this novel after finishing it recently and you can read more about it below.
After reading ‘Song for a Whale’, I had the pleasure of interviewing the author Lynne Kelly to get a detailed “behind-the-scenes” access of the book, learn more about the characters and how her day as a sign language interpreter has helped to play a part in shaping this book.
The interview contains no spoilers so if you haven’t had the chance to read ‘Song for Whale’, you must get yourself a copy of the book.
Listen to podcast or read transcript of the interview with Lynne Kelly
What does a deaf 12-year old girl and a whale that doesn’t belong in a pod has in common?
Surprisingly quite a lot, as beautifully illustrated by by Lynne Kelly’s ‘Song for a Whale’.
12-year old Iris, who is the only d/Deaf person in her school and family, learns about a whale called ‘Blue 55’ who is unable to communicate with other whales and is known as a lonely whale. Since Iris can resonate with that, she went on a journey to see if she can find a way to “sing” with the whale herself to let him know that he is heard.
And what a beautiful journey it was.
Academy Award-winning Deaf actress, Marlee Matlin first book ‘Deaf Child Crossing’, is the first of the trilogy in the series and where she made her debut as a writer.
Even though it’s not a book that will standout from the crowd, there are a number of things that you can learn from it, whether you are hearing or d/Deaf, whether you are a child or an adult.
