Recommended Books
This page recommends some children's and young adult's books for teachers, Kindergarten-teachers and other interested persons. These books give useful informations, are fun to read and can possibly be used in the classroom.
This list is work in progress and will be extended. For the time being, we will only list titles that are available at the Arbeitsstelle für Kinder- und Jugendmedienforschung (ALEKI) of the IDSL2. However, we are happy to add books to the list.
Geraldes, Carol und Jessat, Selina und Nogueria, Joana (Illustrationen)
Vasilka und die Gebärdensprache
2020 Bilderbuch
ALEKI Signatur tba
Gemeinsam mit Vasilka, der gehörlosen Protagonistin des Buchs, begeben sich die Leser*innen auf eine Reise in die Welt der Gehörlosen, lernen die Gebärdensprache kennen und ihre Geschichte sowie Taube Kultur. Das Buch bricht mit dem vorherrschenden Bild von Gehörlosigkeit als Defizit und fördert stattdessen Vielfalt und Toleranz. Es ist ein Mitmach-Buch. So laden die bunten Illustrationen von Joana Nogueira dazu ein, das Fingeralphabet und erste Gebärden auszuprobieren.
Schönes Buch der Sinneswandel gGmbH aus Berlin.
Picture book
Huainigg, Franz-Joseph und Ballhaus, Verena
Wir sprechen mit den Händen (We are talking with our hands)
2005 Bilderbuch
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/I/Ball5AK
This picture book dates back to 2005 and accompanies Lisa, who is deaf, and explains even to young children the importance to communicate in every possible way.
Informative and child-friendly picture book!
Van Haele, Jeroen und Clement, Sabien (Illustrationen)
Der stille See
original: De stille zee (2004)
Übersetzung: Meike Blatnik
2006, Kinderbuch
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/II/Hael1AK
Emilio lives in a small village in Spain. His father despises his deaf son and his mother also struggles with their fate. Only when his father leaves the family and Emilio spends more and more time with his fatherly friend Javier, joy comes into his life.
Touching story that makes elementary school children understand that spoken language is only one way of communication.
Nymphius, Jutta
Total irre (Totally nuts)
2022, Kinder- / Jugendbuch
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/II/Nym1AK
Karli's family is really unusual: His mother invents all kinds of useless things that never work, his father is in a wheelchair but desperately wants to take part in a race, and his godmother isn't sure whether she's a man or a woman. When Karli then meets Jona at a school party, who is a great dancer but turns out to be deaf, he's had enough: could he just deal with normal people for a change?
Perhaps too many extraordinary events in one place but the story is funny and well written. Suitable for being read aloud or children at elementary school.
Kelly, Lynne
Ein Lied für Blue
original: Song for a whale (2019)
Übersetzung: Meritxell Janina Piel
2022, Jugendbuch
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/II/KeLy1AK
Iris has been deaf since birth. In biology class, she hears about a whale that cannot communicate with the other whales. To help this whale, to whom she feels connected by being "different", she composes a song for him. But how can she play this song for him?
A beautiful and easy-to-read story, suitable for youngsters aged 12 and up.
Schrocke, Kathrin
Freak City
2010, Jugendbuch
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/III/Schro2AK
When Mika meets Lea, he is fascinated immediately. When he learns that she is deaf, he spontaneously decides to take a sign language course. His family and friends consider this strange and soon he himself starts to have doubts. He never would have thought that the world of the deaf is so different.
Great book, which, although it contains stereotypes in some places, offers insights into the everyday life of deaf people that are worth reading. For teens 12 and up.
Ludwig, Christa
Blitz ohne Donner (Lightening without Thunder)
2003, Jugendbuch
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/III/Ludw4AK
John speaks strangely and harshly, like someone who has a cold. Without a clear sense of high and low, loud and soft, questions or answers. With his hands he can speak much better. When he watches someone speak, he understands. He knows his way around the silent world. And then Maria moves into the neighbor's house this summer. Maria, who loves sounds. Who wants to show him her music, who wants to dance with him ...
For young people aged 13 and up.
Bell, Cece
El Taubinio
original: El Deafo (2014)
Übersetzung: Harriet Fricke
2022, Grafic Novel
ALEKI-Signatur: 323/A/II/BelC1AK
Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here, she’s different. She’s sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.
Great graphic novel with autobiographical features. Recommended for ages 10 and up.