Chapter 1: Introduction

Our research dives into Deafness and Hard of Hearing. We chose this topic because we want to bring more representation of Deafness and HOH in children's literature to light. It's a topic we don't see represented as often and we want to find ways to change that!

Sydney Owens

Ashley Longworth

Avery Burleson

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Link to our synthesis

LIT 5725 Book Access Ch. 2.pdf

Chapter 3: Insider's Perspective

LIT 5725 Chapter Articles.pdf

We believe that children deserve books that: 

• (a) Include accurate and authentic representations of disability; 
• (b) Include at least two characters with disabilities;
• (c) Are authored and illustrated by people with lived disability experiences; 
• (d) Are historically accurate;
• (e) Are written using inclusive and current language that [dismantles ableism]; 
• (f) Avoid and dismantle stereotypes including the need to cure or overcome disabilities;
• (g) Acknowledge and respect the power of individuals with disabilities.

Specifically, we believe that children need books that allow everyone to speak their own truths, create their own stories, and challenge limits set by society.

We must not let anyone’s mind limit what able hearts can do.

Since deafness and heard of hearing in children's literature is limited, we want to make sure that the represenations that are out are accurate and follow the rules of our Literacy-Cast Proclamation.

Chapter 4: Literacy-Cast Proclamation

We believe that children deserve books that: 

• (a) Include accurate and authentic representations of disability; 
• (b) Include at least two characters with disabilities;
• (c) Are authored and illustrated by people with lived disability experiences; 
• (d) Are historically accurate;
• (e) Are written using inclusive and current language that [dismantles ableism]; 
• (f) Avoid and dismantle stereotypes including the need to cure or overcome disabilities;
• (g) Acknowledge and respect the power of individuals with disabilities.

Specifically, we believe that children need books that allow everyone to speak their own truths, create their own stories, and challenge limits set by society.

We must not let anyone’s mind limit what able hearts can do.

Since deafness and heard of hearing in children's literature is limited, we want to make sure that the represenations that are out are accurate and follow the rules of our Literacy-Cast Proclamation.

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Chapter 5: Search For Children's Books: Descriptions

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Children's Books with Deaf or Heard of Hearing Representation

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Sydney Owens:
In order to find children's books that accurately and appropriately represent deafness or heard of hearing in children's literature, I specifically looked for books with authors that are deaf or apart of the HOH community or have experience with this community. While there are a limited number of deaf/HOH children's books, I found books that I think represent the deaf and HOH community well.

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Ashley Longworth
I targeted my research towards authors who are HOH/deaf and have a lived experience. Our goal was to strive to select books that had accurate and appropriate representation so we can enlighten our young readers about this specific community.

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Avery Burleson
When looking for books for this project I used google. When google searching I targeted my search toward books about deafness or hard of hearing. I was also looking for authors that are deaf or hard of hearing. I wanted the book to be authentic and appropriate towards the deaf and hard of hearing community.

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Bibliographies:

El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published: September 2, 2014
Awards: 2015 John Newberry Medal

Mighty Mila
Author: Katie Petruzziello
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Self-Published
Published: September 2021
Awards: Gold Winner of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book: Children's / Young Adult) and Gold Winner of the Wishing Shelf Awards (Books for 6-8 Year Olds)
Link to Book Website: https://www.mightymila.com/

The Sound of All Things
Author: Myron Uhlberg
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: March 2016
Awards: Notable Books for a Global Society,
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, CCBC Choices, and many more!

The Deaf Musicians
Author: Pete Seeger
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher:‎ G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Published: October 5, 2006
Awards: 2007 Schneider Family Book Award

Feathers
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Published: March 1, 2007
Awards: Newbery Honor Medal, Coretta Scott King Honor, NCTE Notable Children’s Book, and many more!
Link to Book Website: https://jacquelinewoodson.com/product/feathers/

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Chapter 5: Search for Children's Books: Bibliographies

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Bibliographies:

El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published: September 2, 2014
Awards: 2015 John Newberry Medal

Mighty Mila
Author: Katie Petruzziello
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Self-Published
Published: September 2021
Awards: Gold Winner of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book: Children's / Young Adult) and Gold Winner of the Wishing Shelf Awards (Books for 6-8 Year Olds)
Link to Book Website: https://www.mightymila.com/

The Sound of All Things
Author: Myron Uhlberg
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: March 2016
Awards: Notable Books for a Global Society,
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, CCBC Choices, and many more!

The Deaf Musicians
Author: Pete Seeger
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher:‎ G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Published: October 5, 2006
Awards: 2007 Schneider Family Book Award

Feathers
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Published: March 1, 2007
Awards: Newbery Honor Medal, Coretta Scott King Honor, NCTE Notable Children’s Book, and many more!
Link to Book Website: https://jacquelinewoodson.com/product/feathers/

Chapter 6: Evaluation of Children's Books

Evaluation of Children's Books .pdf

Our table includes the book, authors name, and matching criteria to our Literacy-Cast Proclamation. The bulleted list includes criteria in the books that match our proclamation.

Grace's Recommendation:

Chapter 7: Recommended Children's Books

Recommended Children's Books.pdf

Grace's Recommendation:

Chapter 8: Recommendations for Using the Books in the Classroom

Recommendations for Using Children's Books in the Classroom.pdf

Chapter 9: Instagram Post

Caption
Recommended Books:

1. The Deaf Musicians by Pete Seeger
2. El Deafo by Cece Bell
3. Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

It's important to have deafness and heard of hearing represented in children's literature so children who are deaf/HOH can see themselves in literature. It also allows others to learn more about this disability and recognize that it does not define a person or their abilities.

These books could be integrated into the curriculum through art, music, writing, history, dance, ELA, science, history, etc.

Chapter 10: Resources for Children

• This website is a resource for deaf/HOH students from 7th-12th grades.
• This website has activities for kids to complete. Scroll down to the activities section and there are free resources for deaf children.
• This website is a theater that incorporates sign language into all of their performances. It would be good for students to be apart of this theater or watch a performance.
• This website is a resource for children that are deaf. They provide camps and young life for children that are deaf.