Youth and Family Connections
Welcome to DEAR Week, 2022!
Day 7: Multimedia!
With all the media out there, it can be hard to convince our Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing youth to pursue reading. Today's theme of multimedia helps connect written literature with other forms of media to engage and interact with readers. Music, film, toys, video games, comics, you name it - pair it with a book!
Music and Dance
Sway to the beat of educational Sesame Street songs and videos interpreted by Deaf performers.
Joss (2019):
Erin Falligant
Combine a love of dolls with a love of reading. Joss Kendrick was the American Girl Doll of the Year in 2019. She's all about surfing until her brother dares her to try out for the cheer team. Following the cheer routines is a little tough for Hard of Hearing Joss but she isn't backing down from the challenge.
Jessi's Secret Language (2021): Ann M. Martin
In this Babysitter's Club book, Jessi starts babysitting for a family with a Deaf son, Matt. As Jessi learns more about deafness, she realizes how much ASL is like her favorite pastime - dancing! Available as a chapter book and as a graphic novel, there's a lot to love!
Wonderstruck (2011):
Brian Selznik
Wonderstruck tells the story of a young Deaf boy's journey to find his father. Interspersed wordless picture sections reveal the story of another Deaf child's adventures in the same city, years apart. The moving film by the same name features Deaf actress Millicent Simmonds.
Impossible Music (2019): Sean Williams
For Simon, a teenager in Australia, music is his life. So, when he loses his hearing after a stroke, he has to rediscover how music, and deafness, fit into his world. Music and music inspiration flows through this novel. Get ready to rock on!
Learn with Video Games
Created by the National Deaf Center, DeafVerse is a free, choose-your-own adventure game for Deaf teenagers. Through a fun online game, it teaches advocacy, confidence, and important life skills.
Want YFC to read with you?
Youth and Family Connections partners with schools and families to provide READ Days. A Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing adult goes into classrooms to read with students, foster a love for reading, and connect with students as a DDBHH role model. Children also receive free books through a CHS/American Library Association partnership!
Disclaimer: CHS does not necessarily endorse the content of the recommended books. It is the responsibility of teachers and family members to ascertain the appropriateness of the texts for their readers. 
CHSYouth@anixter.org