I picked up this book because I found an amazing actress and, as I often do when I find a new obsession, devour everything about/by them... Her name is Marlee Matlin, and she is one of the most famous deaf actresses. She's currently acting on the ABC Family show Switched at Birth, but she's done movies and many TV shows, and is also an author.
Deaf Child Crossing is written from the perspective of Megan, a little girl who is vibrant and excited (and 10), who happens to be deaf. She doesn't let that define her, and quickly becomes friends with the new girl in the neighborhood. Megan teaches her to sign, but she thinks that Cindy is trying to do stuff for her, even though Megan is perfectly capable. The story goes through the first summer of their friendship, and is cute and entertaining most of the time.
Matlin did a good job in capturing a point of view and friendship that isn't written as often as it should be. I mean, how many deaf protagonists do you know? I certainly wish there were more. It's a fascinating culture with yes, it's own culture, language, and values. I loved getting another perspective than the boring textbooks I tried to read about deaf culture.
It is too young for my kiddos- they would be bored in an instant, but elementary kids or kids with siblings who are deaf would enjoy it.
*MG=Middle Grade
I will have to look for this book. I've been a fan of Marlee Matlin ever since I first saw her in Children of a Lesser God many years ago. I didn't realize that she'd written any books, though!
ReplyDeleteI first got hooked on her by the TV show I mentioned before, and then watched Children of a Lesser God. You should check out her autobiography, I'll Scream Later.
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