Reading is an opportunity for children to use their imaginations, nurture their creativity, and learn about the world around them. Exposure to a wide variety of books and characters builds language, supports social and emotional learning, and provides an opportunity to learn about different people and cultures.
Importance of Representation
Experiencing stories also gives children a chance to build connections with characters and support the development of their self-identity. Reading about characters who are like themselves can provide an opportunity to relate to the character and build excitement for reading about someone who has had similar experiences. In recent years, representation has increased in children's books, including characters who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). We have gathered a few lists of books featuring characters who are DHH. More information about these lists can be found on our Literacy Resources page.
Borrow a Book from MDE-LIO
At MDE-LIO, we have expanded our own collection of books featuring characters who are DHH. These books are available for families and school personnel to borrow. Our current collection of 26 titles includes a diverse set of characters who have a variety of experiences. Some characters do not use hearing assistive technology, while others use hearing aids, bone conduction devices, or cochlear implants. Characters also use a variety of languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, or both.
Visit the audiologist with Bear as he experiences getting hearing aids for the first time in Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus. Journey with Iris, a teen who is Deaf and uses ASL and strives to build a connection with a lonely whale in Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. Explore with Mila, who uses cochlear implants, as she tries to do things on her own in Mighty Mila by Katie Petruzziello. These are just a few examples of the stories available to borrow. Visit the DHH Character Books Library to see the current list of available books.