For the January Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book El Deafo by Cece Bell. Lucy, Matt, Micah, and Rileigh were present. Here's what we discussed.
When did Cece lose her hearing? After losing her hearing, why does she talk differently?
-When she was four.
-Because if she can't hear as well as she used to
What are the pros and cons of the Phonic Ear? Overall, was the Phonic Ear something positive or negative for Cece?
-She can hear people in the bathroom
-She can hear the toilet paper
-Cece can hear better
-One of the cons is that people might make fun of her
Have you ever felt as if you were in a bubble of loneliness like Cece? When
was it? What did you do to help pop your bubble? Would you rather have a friend like Laura or be in a loneliness bubble?
was it? What did you do to help pop your bubble? Would you rather have a friend like Laura or be in a loneliness bubble?
-Once I get to a new place, I stay to myself. I don't share a bunch with others until I feel comfortable and open up.
We talked more about people being unkind and there being unwanted drama.
We talked more about people being unkind and there being unwanted drama.
What are some misconceptions about deafness that other people have throughout El Deafo?
-That they are different in a bad way
-I think that this makes the person unique
-They talk to Cece very slowly (and strangely)
-They will use sign language, assuming that she knows it
-That they are different in a bad way
-I think that this makes the person unique
-They talk to Cece very slowly (and strangely)
-They will use sign language, assuming that she knows it
How does Cece’s view of the Phonic Ear change throughout the book?
-At first, she thought that she wouldn't get used to it. And then she thought it was awesome.
-In the beginning, she hid the Phonic Ear under her clothes.
In her author’s note, Cece Bell writes that being different turned out to be a strength. She says, “Our differences are our superpowers.” Could you give examples of how a difference could become a superpower?
-Having a different language than most everyone else, so that I could communicate with someone else and no one would know what we're saying.
-Someone with only one arm would have to find other ways to do things.
Please rank this book from 1-5, with 5 being the best.
-Two 3s
-One 4
-One 5
Here's a short interview with the author, Cece Bell, explaining the story behind the story and some great words of advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnj5STG0SZo
For Book Club in February, we will be reading Matilda by Roald Dahl.
"Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!"
