Books About Deafness

The Best Deafness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about deafness? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Graphic Nov.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Deafness

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Song for a Whale

By Lynne Kelly

A deaf girl seeks to connect with a whale whose song goes unheard.

Odyssey Honor (2020)Schneider Family Book Award (2020)

304 pages· 56,953 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,951 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Iris, a tech genius and the only deaf student at her school, discovers Blue 55, a whale whose song is silent to his kind. Determined to bridge their shared isolation, Iris devises a plan to communicate with him across three thousand miles. Can her invention reach the lonely whale and make a difference? This poignant tale explores the power of connection and the courage to be heard.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

El Deafo

By Cece Bell

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Newbery Honor (2015)Cybils Award (2014)Odyssey Award (2024)

233 pages· 16,807 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 92,006 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Cece faces the daunting challenge of starting a new school with a conspicuous hearing aid. Feeling isolated, she discovers her Phonic Ear lets her hear her teacher anywhere in the school, turning her into El Deafo, a superhero with a unique power. But with great power comes the struggle of feeling different and alone. Can Cece use her abilities to find true friendship, or will her superpower keep her isolated? Dive into this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and empathy, where being different might just be the key to finding connection.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Hello, Universe

By Erin Entrada Kelly, Isabel Roxas (Illustrator)

A prank traps a boy in a well, sparking an unexpected rescue and new friendships.

Newbery Medal (2018)

320 pages· 42,553 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 26,136 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Virgil, a shy boy, finds himself trapped in a well after a bully's prank. Valencia, Kaori, and Gen embark on a daring rescue mission. As they navigate challenges, unexpected friendships form, and bravery is tested. Will they succeed in saving Virgil and discovering their inner heroes?

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

My First Book of Sign Language

By Joan Holub

Unlock the world of sign language, one letter at a time.

30 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 142 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the basics of sign language with this guide that teaches you the signs for each letter of the alphabet. Discover how to fingerspell and communicate words starting with each letter. Perfect for beginners eager to explore a new way of connecting and understanding. What new conversations will you start?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Listen

By Shannon Stocker, Devon Holzwarth (Illustrator)

A deaf girl defies odds to become a world-renowned percussionist.

Schneider Family Book Award (2023)

40 pages· 1,330 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,074 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Evelyn Glennie, a deaf girl, was told she could never be a musician. Yet, she discovered a unique way to 'hear' music through vibrations, transforming her body into an instrument. As she mastered this new form of listening, Evelyn's extraordinary talent captivated the world, proving that true passion knows no limits. How did she turn silence into symphony, and what challenges did she overcome to become the first full-time solo percussionist? Discover the inspiring journey of a woman who redefined the boundaries of music and listening.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Silent Days, Silent Dreams

By Allen Say

A silent artist defies all odds to leave a lasting legacy.

Schneider Family Book Award (2018)

64 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,004 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Born deaf and mute, James Castle faced immense challenges on an Idaho farm. Yet, his art now graces major museums worldwide. Discover his journey from isolation to artistic triumph, as he overcomes barriers to communicate through his unique creations. How did a boy who couldn't speak or write become a celebrated artist? Explore the imagined childhood of Castle and witness the emergence of his extraordinary talent against all odds.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Dad, Jackie, and Me

By Myron Uhlberg, Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

A boy and his deaf father bond over baseball, rooting for Jackie Robinson's historic season.

Schneider Family Book Award (2006)

32 pages· 1,401 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 500 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1947 Brooklyn, a young boy and his deaf father share a passion for baseball, following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking journey with the Dodgers. As they listen to games and attend matches, their bond deepens, transcending barriers of sound and prejudice. Will their shared love for the game lead to a victory both on and off the field? Experience a heartfelt tale of determination, connection, and the power of sports to unite.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

Who Was Helen Keller?

By Gare Thompson, Who HQ, Nancy Harrison (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The story of a young girl who overcomes her deafness and blindness to achieve greatness

107 pages· 8,794 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,205 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Helen Keller, deaf and blind from age two, battles to escape her silent world. With Annie Sullivan's guidance, she learns to communicate and achieve the extraordinary. How does she transform her challenges into triumphs? Discover the inspiring journey of a remarkable woman who defied the odds, enriched with illustrations and insights into her world.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

By Shari Green

Macy's world shifts as she befriends Iris, an elderly neighbor, amidst family upheaval.

Schneider Family Book Award (2018)

240 pages· 19,948 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,015 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Macy McMillan's life is in turmoil with a new stepfamily and a move on the horizon. Her mother insists she help Iris, an elderly neighbor also preparing to relocate. Despite Macy's deafness and Iris's lack of sign language, they forge an unexpected bond through notes and shared stories. As Macy navigates these changes, will this unlikely friendship be the key to embracing her new reality?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Collectors

By Jacqueline West · Book #1 in the Collectors series

A boy discovers a secret society collecting wishes, but not all wishes are harmless.

Schneider Family Book Honor (2019)

376 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,116 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Van, an outsider with a knack for collecting trinkets, stumbles upon a secret world when he follows a mysterious girl named Pebble. This underground society collects wishes, but not all wishes are benign. As Van delves deeper, he questions the true intentions of the Collectors and the consequences of fulfilled desires. In a world where magic blurs the lines between good and evil, Van must navigate friendships and hidden dangers. Will he uncover the truth before it's too late? Dive into this enchanting tale of mystery and magic.

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Deafness Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about deafness for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1699

The William Hoy Story

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A deaf baseball player changes the game with hand signals, overcoming prejudice and adversity.

Sale price

$1799

The Mitten String

Ages 3–7 · 2014

A girl knits a special gift for a deaf mother and her baby, uncovering unexpected comfort.

Sale price

$1799

Dancing Hands

Ages 3–5 · 2020

New neighbors communicate through dancing hands, sparking a friendship beyond words.

Series

Sale price

$2265

Party Problems

Ages 5–7 · 2020

Emma faces party jitters and communication challenges.

Sale price

$1799

Ninita's Big World

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A deaf pygmy marmoset finds friendship and a forever home.

Series

Sale price

$799

I Have a Sister--My Sister Is Deaf

Ages 4–8 · 1977

A sister's world is silent, yet full of vibrant expression and adventure.

Series

Sale price

$799

The Special Pumpkin

Ages 5–7 · 2025

A deaf girl prepares for Halloween by picking a unique pumpkin and carving it with a cochlear implant to reflect her identity.

Series

Sale price

$2265

Going on a Field Trip

Ages 5–7 · 2020

Emma finds unexpected excitement on a museum field trip.

Series

Sale price

$2265

Cheer Champs

Ages 5–7 · 2022

A deaf gymnast joins the cheer squad. Can she master the routine in time?

Series

Sale price

$2265

Dentist Day

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A deaf girl faces her dental fears with a supportive team.

Sale price

$1999

Cesaria Feels the Beat

Ages 3–6 · 2024

A deaf girl defies convention to feel music through her feet at Carnival. Will others follow her lead?

Series

Sale price

$2265

The Writing Contest

Ages 5–7 · 2022

A writing contest loss challenges Emma's passion. Will she persevere?

View all deafness picture books

Browse by age

Deafness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about deafness for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

All He Knew

Ages 10–14 · 2020

A deaf boy labeled 'unteachable' finds hope through an unexpected ally during WWII.

Sale price

$2999

Wonderstruck

Ages 9–12 · 2011

Two children embark on parallel quests, fifty years apart, to uncover life-changing secrets.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Show Me a Sign

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A young girl becomes a live specimen in a scientist's cruel experiment on a deaf island.

Series

Sale price

$599

Helen Keller

Ages 7–10 · 1969

Discover how a determined spirit overcame silence and darkness.

Series

Sale price

$799

Helen Keller

Ages 8–12 · 1969

A young girl overcomes blindness and deafness to change the world.

Sale price

$1799

Miss Spitfire

Ages 10–12 · 2007

A fierce teacher battles to unlock a silent world.

Sale price

$1595

Nobody's Perfect

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A deaf girl faces unexpected challenges when a seemingly perfect new classmate arrives.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Set Me Free

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A young woman must teach a deaf child to communicate, uncovering dark secrets and facing unexpected dangers.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$699

Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything

Ages 7–9 · 2006

Ruby navigates a summer of challenges with her deaf cousin and a stray dog. Can she handle it all?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$799

Charlie and Frog

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy and a Deaf girl unravel a mystery after a woman vanishes.

Sale price

$1699

Max and the Millions

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy discovers a tiny kingdom, sparking chaos and a battle for survival.

Sale price

$899

Feathers

Ages 9–12 · 2007

A mysterious new classmate challenges Frannie's understanding of hope and identity during a transformative winter.

View all deafness chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about being lost Books about communication Books about disabilities Books about empathy Books about listening Books about marine life Books about missing persons Books about psychic abilities

Our 10 Favorite Books About Deafness

Great books, picked for their age.

Deafness Picture Books

Deafness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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