Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love by Myron Uhlberg will be released on February 3, 2009. I have been mentioning this book for quite some time so I'm thrilled that Myron Uhlberg will be making his way to Gallaudet University for the release of his memoir. During the IRA Convention, I met and instantly adored Mr. Uhlberg. I laughed and cried during his presentation about the legacy of his parents, Sarah and Lou Uhlberg. It was an absolute honor to attend his presentation then as it is to call him "friend" now.
If you're like me and you just can't wait to read the book (luckily I received an advance copy months ago), check out his essay "Language Instincts" provided by Amazon.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Looking for a Few Good Writers... Will you answer the Call?
Perhaps your New Year's Resolution is to have your great American novel published... or to finally share that poignant poem that you have written. In the past, I have had several aspiring writers contact me regarding their manuscripts and haven't been able to give them any guidance... until now.If you're a writer and also Deaf or Hard of Hearing, you may want to contact Drs. Nelson and Harmon at Gallaudet University. They have recently made a Call for Submissions (below). The deadline is quickly approaching!
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We (Jennifer Nelson and Kristen Harmon) have a well-respected press who is interested in working with us on a collection of Deaf American prose (which we define broadly as including, but not limited to:
• short stories,
• flash fiction—and other innovative forms of short fiction—
• non-fiction/memoirs,
• personal essays,
• blogs,
• prose innovations in ASL/English transliteration,
• satire and humor writing, and
• short plays/screenplays, among others.
The subject matter does not have to be explicitly about deaf, Deaf, or hard of hearing American lives, but we do want the author to be deaf, Deaf, or hard of hearing.Please send both of us an email at Kristen.Harmon@gallaudet.edu, and Jennifer.Nelson@gallaudet.edu, to let us know that you are considering submitting prose work. Please send us this work or your proposal as an attachment on or before March 1, 2009. We will respect the confidentiality of your work while it is under consideration.If you know someone who also might be ready to submit work for this collection, please let us know that person’s name and contact information.
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Friday, January 02, 2009
Sign Language and Secondary Deaf Character in Oprah's Book Club text, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
I've hesitated adding this book to my blog because the story is about main character Edgar who is described as "mute". Folks keep bringing this book to my attention and it is one of Oprah's Book Club reads....
Edgar uses sign language to communicate. Louise Wilkes is a CODA and communicates using the Sign Language that her Deaf parents taught her. This character works with Deaf children and hearing children of Deaf parents. There is another secondary Deaf Character whom Edgar meets when he is four. The character communicates through Sign Language but also speaks. Edgar notes that he sounds funny (p. 49).
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David Wroblewski
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Ecco (September 19, 2008)
Book Description
Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm--and into Edgar's mother's affections.
Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death, but his plan backfires--spectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm, Edgar comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father's murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward.
Edgar uses sign language to communicate. Louise Wilkes is a CODA and communicates using the Sign Language that her Deaf parents taught her. This character works with Deaf children and hearing children of Deaf parents. There is another secondary Deaf Character whom Edgar meets when he is four. The character communicates through Sign Language but also speaks. Edgar notes that he sounds funny (p. 49).
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David WroblewskiHardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Ecco (September 19, 2008)
Book Description
Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm--and into Edgar's mother's affections.
Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death, but his plan backfires--spectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm, Edgar comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father's murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Children's Book: It's Called Deafness
"It's Called Deafness" 
I Am Deaf (Live and Learn Series) by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos (Author), Marta Fabrega (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (March 1, 2009)
Product Description
Titles in the Live and Learn series take a child’s point of view--especially the view of children who either suffer from some physical challenge or lack self-confidence in going about their everyday activities. This book describes challenges that hearing-impaired children face, and how one child overcomes them to live a normal, happy life. This attractively illustrated picture storybook series encourages kids to understand themselves and overcome problems that have troubled them. Following each story are four pages of suggested activities that relate to the book’s theme. A final two-page section offers advice to parents. Live and Learn titles are available in both English and Spanish language editions. This is an English language title.
SPW Note: The title is listed as I Am Deaf but the picture on the book calls it It's Called Deafness. Not sure which one is correct... Seems a little confusing to me.
I Am Deaf (Live and Learn Series) by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos (Author), Marta Fabrega (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (March 1, 2009)
Product Description
Titles in the Live and Learn series take a child’s point of view--especially the view of children who either suffer from some physical challenge or lack self-confidence in going about their everyday activities. This book describes challenges that hearing-impaired children face, and how one child overcomes them to live a normal, happy life. This attractively illustrated picture storybook series encourages kids to understand themselves and overcome problems that have troubled them. Following each story are four pages of suggested activities that relate to the book’s theme. A final two-page section offers advice to parents. Live and Learn titles are available in both English and Spanish language editions. This is an English language title.
SPW Note: The title is listed as I Am Deaf but the picture on the book calls it It's Called Deafness. Not sure which one is correct... Seems a little confusing to me.
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 VeneziaReading 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.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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!
A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy SchlitzReading 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!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Books I'll be watching for....
"Vignettes of the Deaf Character": And Other Plays by Willy ConleyGallaudet 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.
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.
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!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
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.
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