Books with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters

From memoirs of growing up deaf to epic fantasies and nail-biting thrillers, these books offer mirrors and windows into the lives of kids and teens who have hearing loss. Reading these books can promote understanding, compassion, and tolerance among hearing readers -- as well as give kids who are deaf and hard of hearing a chance to see relatable characters through compelling stories. For more affirming stories, check out our Books with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion.

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Charlie & Frog Poster Image
BOOK

Charlie & Frog

age 8+

Fun, educational mystery introduces kids to sign language.

By: Karen Kane (2018)
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread Poster Image
BOOK

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

age 8+

Brave mouse adventure a modern classic; great read-aloud.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2004)
El Deafo Poster Image
BOOK

El Deafo

age 9+

Charming, funny comics memoir of growing up deaf.

By: Cece Bell (2014)
Hello, Universe Poster Image
BOOK

Hello, Universe

age 9+

Charming tale of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance.

By: Erin Entrada Kelly (2017)
Song for a Whale Poster Image
BOOK

Song for a Whale

age 9+

Compelling tale of deaf girl's search for a whale.

By: Lynne Kelly (2019)
Wonderstruck Poster Image
BOOK

Wonderstruck

age 9+

Inventive story of runaways in New York, 50 years apart.

By: Brian Selznick (2011)
You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! Poster Image
BOOK

You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!

age 10+

Brave but heavy-handed look at racism and deaf life.

By: Alex Gino (2018)
Hurt Go Happy Poster Image
BOOK

Hurt Go Happy

age 11+

Award-winner faces tough topic of animal testing.

By: Ginny Rorby (2006)
Dragonswood Poster Image
BOOK

Dragonswood

age 12+

Teen girl's bold adventure among dragons, fairies, princes.

By: Janet Lee Carey (2012)
Soundless Poster Image
BOOK

Soundless

age 12+

Solid standalone fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore.

By: Richelle Mead (2015)
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin Poster Image
BOOK

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

age 13+

Funny, overweight, deaf -- the new kid is an unlikely hero.

By: Josh Berk (2010)
There Will Be Lies Poster Image
BOOK

There Will Be Lies

age 13+

Deaf teen learns scary truths in suspenseful thriller.

By: Nick Lake (2015)