Books About Deafness · 57 titles considered

The Best Deafness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Deafness

Song for a Whale
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 Goodreads · 15,140 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.
El Deafo
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 Goodreads · 92,533 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.
Hello, Universe
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 · 26,374 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?
Unbound
Sale price
$1994
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Unbound

By Joyce Scott, Brie Spangler, Melissa Sweet (Author/Illustrator)

A silent artist defies odds to create world-renowned masterpieces.

Orbis Pictus Honor (2022)
48 pages· 1,718 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 765 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Judith Scott, born with Down syndrome and unable to hear or speak, was institutionalized until her twin sister, Joyce, brought her into an art class. There, Judith's hidden talent blossomed, leading her to become a celebrated artist with works displayed globally. 'Unbound' reveals how Judith transcended her limitations, inspiring us to question what truly defines ability and success. Can art speak louder than words?
Deer Run Home
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2024

Deer Run Home

By Ann Clare LeZotte

A Deaf girl struggles to reveal a dangerous secret in a world that refuses to listen.

224 pages· 14,591 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,257 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Effie, isolated by her family's refusal to learn sign language, harbors a dangerous secret about her abusive stepfather. With only her interpreter, Miss Kathy, understanding her, Effie faces a daunting choice: remain silent or risk everything to be heard. As her world teeters on the brink, Effie must decide if revealing the truth is worth the peril it brings. In a story told in verse, Effie's journey explores the power of communication, the courage to speak out, and the hope of finding a place where she truly belongs.
My First Book of Sign Language
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
4.3 Goodreads · 144 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?
Listen
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 Goodreads · 1,089 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.
Silent Days, Silent Dreams
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 Goodreads · 1,008 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.
Dad, Jackie, and Me
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 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.
Who Was Helen Keller?
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 Goodreads · 3,230 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.
The Bookroo Book Club

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Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door every month.

BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
Books from a Bookroo book club in their box
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Deafness Picture Books

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

The William Hoy Story
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.

The Mitten String
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.

Dancing Hands
Sale price
$1799

Dancing Hands

Ages 3–5 · 2020

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

Party Problems
Series
Sale price
$2265

Party Problems

Ages 5–7 · 2020

Emma faces party jitters and communication challenges.

Ninita's Big World
Sale price
$1799

Ninita's Big World

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A deaf pygmy marmoset finds friendship and a forever home.

My Toy Book
Sale price
$895

My Toy Book

Ages 2–5 · 1974

Simple signed and printed words introduce young children to their favorite toys.

Sign Language
Series
Sale price
$3707

Sign Language

Ages 9–13 · 2026

Discover the rich history and global diversity of sign language.

The Special Pumpkin
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.

View all deafness picture books
Browse by age

Deafness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about deafness for developing and independent readers.

The Collectors
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1699

The Collectors

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

All He Knew
Sale price
$1899

All He Knew

Ages 10–14 · 2020

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

Wonderstruck
Sale price
$2999

Wonderstruck

Ages 9–12 · 2011

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

Show Me a Sign
#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.

Helen Keller
Series
Sale price
$599

Helen Keller

Ages 7–10 · 1969

Discover how a determined spirit overcame silence and darkness.

Helen Keller
Series
Sale price
$799

Helen Keller

Ages 8–12 · 1969

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

Miss Spitfire
Sale price
$1799

Miss Spitfire

Ages 10–12 · 2007

A fierce teacher battles to unlock a silent world.

Nobody's Perfect
Sale price
$1595

Nobody's Perfect

Ages 8–12 · 2006

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

Set Me Free
#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.

View all deafness chapter books
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