Children's book: Alexander Graham Bell: Setting the Tone for Communication

Alexander Graham Bell: Setting the Tone for Communication (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Inventors and Scientists) (2008) by Mike Venezia
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Children's Press(CT)
The reprint edition (coming in March 2009) is much cheaper because it is in paperback.

This book is a part of a series, Getting to Know the World's Greatest Inventors and Scientists.

Picture Book: Kids from Critter Cove with Deaf Character

Kids from Critter Cove by Merilee Dodson (Author), Terril Gregor (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 44 pages

Publisher: PublishAmerica (October 29, 2007)

Product Description

When a small group of special needs characters are joined by a newcomer on the way to school, they find themselves in a worrisome situation. The newcomer’s “perceived” misbehavior, and the events that follow, teach a valuable lesson about making assumptions regarding those who are different from us.

Hoop the Hare is the Deaf Rabbit-character. My favorite line is on page 39, "Just because you can't understand me, that doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm saying, and don't assume that deaf means less smart". The purpose of this book is to teach children about people who are different or who have disabilities.

Young Adult Deaf Characters (YADC) Fall 2008 Newsletter

Yadc6[1]

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Secondary Deaf Character in A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz

Thanks to librarian Ann G. from New York for sharing this book with me. Ann explains that while the Deaf Character isn't the main character, she plays a pivotal role in the story. I just added bought this book from Amazon and look forward to reading it.

A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (2006)

Book Description
Maud Flynn is known at the orphanage for her impertinence, so when the charming Miss Hyacinth and her sister choose Maud to take home with them, the girl is as baffled as anyone. It seems the sisters need Maud to help stage elaborate séances for bereaved, wealthy patrons. As Maud is drawn deeper into the deception, playing her role as a "secret child," she is torn between her need to please and her growing conscience -- until a shocking betrayal makes clear just how heartless her so-called guardians are. Filled with tantalizing details of turn-of-the-century spiritualism and page-turning suspense, this lively historical novel features a winning heroine whom readers will not soon forget.
A feisty orphan is taken in by a band of phony spiritualists in this intriguing, engaging novel.
Author Description
Laura Amy Schlitz, the author of the Newbery Medal winner, GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES!: VOICES FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE, has spent most of her life working as a librarian and professional storyteller. She has also written plays for young people that have been performed in professional theaters all over the country. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Deaf Character, Muffet, is a secondary character who communicates with "signs".
Thanks again Ann!

Books I'll be watching for....

"Vignettes of the Deaf Character": And Other Plays by Willy Conley

Gallaudet University Press; 1st Edition edition (May 15, 2009)

Product Description
Twelve of Deaf master playwright Willy Conley feature deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing characters created from the Deaf perspective.

Willy Conley is a Professor in the Theatre Arts Department at Gallaudet University, Washington, DC.

I Fill This Small Space: The

Writings of a Deaf Activist (Deaf Lives Series) by Lawrence Newman

Gallaudet University Press; 1st Edition edition (April 15, 2009)

Product Description
This collection features the best articles and poems by Deaf activist and 1968 California Teacher of the Year on subjects ranging from communication and language to humorous insights on his own activities.

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John

A deaf seventeen-year-old manages her high school rock band to both humorous and devastating effect, will be published by Dial (2010). Thanks Julie K!

Deaf Character book selected to be on the Virginia Young Readers' Choice List

Congratulations to Myron Uhlberg! His picture book Dad, Jackie, and Me has been selected to be on the Virginia Young Readers’ Choice list for 2009-2010. This children’s choice award is sponsored by the Virginia State Reading Association. Winners will be announced officially in May 2010.

ALAN Breakfast speaker, Sharon Creech and her CODA character

The last few weeks have been increasingly hectic with the end of the semester approaching. I arrived home late Sunday night and didn't have time to post anything about the wonderful time I had at the ALAN Breakfast at the NCTE Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Laurie Halse Anderson, (pictured left) author of Speak, was presented with the 2008 ALAN Award. She was absolutely hysterical making fun of some of the required reading that was forced to read in school. She mentioned The Scarlet Letter and made a horrible face. Following her award, the ALAN breakfast speaker, Sharon Creech (pictured right) delivered her inspiring message about reaching students like a young Laurie Halse Anderson. Creech is the best-selling author of the Newbery Medal winner Walk Two Moons, and the Newbery Honor Book The Wanderer. She is also the first American in history to be awarded the CILIP Carnegie Medal for Ruby Holler. During the breakfast, she spoke about her book, Love That Dog. The first time I read Love That Dog I cried... the story is that good. Creech's recent book, Hate That Cat: A Novel, picks up another year of Jack's life with teacher Miss Stretchberry. The exciting thing is... and it was a shocker for me during her presentation... Creech gives us more information about main character Jack's life. Readers even discover that Jack is a CODA- his mother is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate! Can you imagine how excited I was sitting at the ALAN Breakfast and finding out about a Deaf Character being added to her recent novel?!? I love how life is full of surprises. Jack's mother is a minor character but still....

Hate That Cat: A Novel by Sharon Creech
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Joanna Cotler (September 23, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0061430927

Need another reason to join ALAN? Try FREE books!!!

Joan Kaywell just sent a reminder that the ALAN WORKSHOP in SAN ANTONIO is right around the corner. Read an excerpt from her email below. Even if you can't make it to this year's meeting, you may want to consider joining. The application is attached below in SlideShare.

You won’t want to miss the annual ALAN Workshop, occurring on November 24-25 in San Antonio, TX. There is still room available but now you’ll have to register on site. The cost of the two-day workshop is practically nothing when one considers that you receive a year’s membership and a free box of books! Seeing and hearing the authors’ presentations is worth it even if there were no freebies. But for those registered, here’s a little information about the packet of books that you will be receiving as a registrant for the ALAN workshop:

This package will be a box (16” x 16” x 12”) that will weigh approximately 30-35 lbs.

Alan Membership Form

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YouTube Video- Rally Caps

RALLY CAPS - A fun baseball story

Adolescent Literature & the Presidential Elections

The closer we come to Election Day, the more talk there is in the media about the Presidential Elections. Everywhere I go people are discussing the candidates and talking about change. I believe that voting is not only our right as citizens but our responsibility. This week I encourage you to try to include adolescents in your discussions. They don't necessarily need to know every detail about the economy, health care, and the war but they do need to be involved in the importance of elections.

Why not introduce your favorite adolescents to Megan McDonald's Changes for Julie (American Girls Collection) (2007).

The main character Julie is sent to detention for passing a note to Deaf Character Joy, a new student who has trouble understanding what their teacher is saying. When Julie is sent to detention for passing the note, she is determined to change the rules for detention and the system itself. Julie runs for Student Body President while Joy runs for Student Body Vice President.

This book offers an uncanny parallel to our U.S. elections. The characters discuss their principles and concerns for electing someone who is a little "different" (the student body has never had a Deaf girl who "talks a little funny" and uses Sign Language as their VP before).

Want to know more about the author? Visit one of my earlier posts with an interview with Megan McDonald.