Miss-Delectable
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http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060526/NEWS01/605260314/1002
Not many stories are available about deaf children, particularly for middle grades. I found one I think is a winner for ages 8 and older. The author, Marlee Matlin, alone is sure to catch the eye of some readers.
The author/actress was the 1986 Academy Award winner for her role in "Children of a Lesser God," and recently appeared on episodes of the television show, "West Wing." Deaf since the age of 18 months, her experiences bring realism and knowledge to her book, "Deaf Child Crossing," (Aladdin, 2002).
The novel's main character is 9-year-old, Megan. All her young life, Megan has wanted a best friend. At school, the kids are okay, but some can be cruel. They laugh at the way she talks and about her hearing aids. Megan is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new family on her street. They have a girl just her age. She just knows this girl could be the one. When she meets Cindy, she discovers a shy, but sensitive girl in need of a friend in a new neighborhood. And yes, they soon become best friends.
That is not to say the friendship is without its ups and downs. True to their age group, the girls discover that each can be difficult and a little thoughtless. Megan is willful and stubborn. She makes it quite clear she may be special but she is not handicapped. She wants to do what everyone else does and she doesn't want help. But Cindy isn't sure when she should step in and be Megan's ears. After all, she has never had a deaf friend before. She takes a great interest in signing and soon learns how to sign with her new friend and her family. For the most part, the girls work out their differences.
As summer approaches, Megan's parents insist she go to camp. Megan digs in her heels, reluctant to face rejection and teasing in a new environment. But once the shy Cindy agrees to accompany her, the girls decide it will be an awesome summer, the very best yet. Camp proves to be more than they could expect, but the friendship faces challenges when a deaf girl called Lizzie joins their cabin. It is natural for Lizzie and Megan to bond but Cindy begins to feel left out. Megan hurts her feelings in several ways and when they return home, Cindy and Megan seem to have hit a bump that may permanently derail their friendship.
But the story has a satisfying ending when Megan comes to grips with reality — everyone needs a little help now and then. It is just fine to ask for help and accept it in the spirit it is offered. Cindy, too, becomes more understanding and assertive about asking her new friend if she indeed does want her help.
This is an excellent story, not just about deaf children but about friendship, parenting and tolerance. The story is interesting and the characters believable and diverse. This is a good silent read as well as a good read-aloud for summer for parents and their children. It should generate some lively discussion. Matlin has proven that acting is not her only talent — she can write as well.
The book is available at Hastings Books, Music and Video for $4.99 in paperback. It will soon be available at Baxter County Library because I plan to donate a copy in time for summer reading.
JoAnn Ragsdale is a retired children's librarian living in the Twin Lakes Area.
Not many stories are available about deaf children, particularly for middle grades. I found one I think is a winner for ages 8 and older. The author, Marlee Matlin, alone is sure to catch the eye of some readers.
The author/actress was the 1986 Academy Award winner for her role in "Children of a Lesser God," and recently appeared on episodes of the television show, "West Wing." Deaf since the age of 18 months, her experiences bring realism and knowledge to her book, "Deaf Child Crossing," (Aladdin, 2002).
The novel's main character is 9-year-old, Megan. All her young life, Megan has wanted a best friend. At school, the kids are okay, but some can be cruel. They laugh at the way she talks and about her hearing aids. Megan is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new family on her street. They have a girl just her age. She just knows this girl could be the one. When she meets Cindy, she discovers a shy, but sensitive girl in need of a friend in a new neighborhood. And yes, they soon become best friends.
That is not to say the friendship is without its ups and downs. True to their age group, the girls discover that each can be difficult and a little thoughtless. Megan is willful and stubborn. She makes it quite clear she may be special but she is not handicapped. She wants to do what everyone else does and she doesn't want help. But Cindy isn't sure when she should step in and be Megan's ears. After all, she has never had a deaf friend before. She takes a great interest in signing and soon learns how to sign with her new friend and her family. For the most part, the girls work out their differences.
As summer approaches, Megan's parents insist she go to camp. Megan digs in her heels, reluctant to face rejection and teasing in a new environment. But once the shy Cindy agrees to accompany her, the girls decide it will be an awesome summer, the very best yet. Camp proves to be more than they could expect, but the friendship faces challenges when a deaf girl called Lizzie joins their cabin. It is natural for Lizzie and Megan to bond but Cindy begins to feel left out. Megan hurts her feelings in several ways and when they return home, Cindy and Megan seem to have hit a bump that may permanently derail their friendship.
But the story has a satisfying ending when Megan comes to grips with reality — everyone needs a little help now and then. It is just fine to ask for help and accept it in the spirit it is offered. Cindy, too, becomes more understanding and assertive about asking her new friend if she indeed does want her help.
This is an excellent story, not just about deaf children but about friendship, parenting and tolerance. The story is interesting and the characters believable and diverse. This is a good silent read as well as a good read-aloud for summer for parents and their children. It should generate some lively discussion. Matlin has proven that acting is not her only talent — she can write as well.
The book is available at Hastings Books, Music and Video for $4.99 in paperback. It will soon be available at Baxter County Library because I plan to donate a copy in time for summer reading.
JoAnn Ragsdale is a retired children's librarian living in the Twin Lakes Area.