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Children's Books
MY MONSTER TRUCK GOES EVERYWHERE WITH ME
"My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me—Illustrated in American Sign Language" by Kathleen Marcath is a captivating children's picture book that follows a little boy on a journey to find his lost monster truck while incorporating American Sign Language with 32 signs depicted in easy-to-understand images and downloadable educational sheets, including four fun videos, three of which are in ASL. This book delivers a beautiful bilingual journey, educational content, and feel-good entertainment.
Kathleen's debut book received the Kirkus Best Indie Book of 2021
Read more: About Kathleen, the founder of ASL Picture Books.
How Much Do You Know About... American Sign Language, and Deaf Culture, History, Jokes, and Stories?
Did you know that Deaf jokes come in two varieties? Becky Gage, who is Deaf, clarifies one group as “classic jokes, timeless humor that never bores us from generation to generation.” The second category: “zap stories,” she explains, are “common anecdotes about discrimination and oppression that Deaf people address with humor.”
Becky’s new book is a first of its kind: an immersive pop-up book called How Much Do You Know About... American Sign Language, and Deaf Culture, History, Jokes, and Stories? The book was released on May 6, 2023, and is suggested for ages eight and up.
Read Blog: Classic Jokes and Zap Stories: Interview with Becky Gage, Author of a New Pop-Up Book about Deaf Humor
MY NAME IS MAYA
My Name Is Maya is not just an inspiring children’s book; it’s a call to action. Author Shay Abigail's debut book celebrates diversity and inclusion through the story of Maya, a deaf superhero, and her incredible adventures that empower young readers to embrace their uniqueness, abilities, and American Sign Language (ASL).
Like an I Spy book, My Name Is Maya features sign language throughout its colorful pages. The vibrant illustrations bring the story to life. It is a must-read for parents and educators who want to instill confidence and self-love in children!
Read Blog: Interview with Shay Abigail, American Sign Language (ASL) Author and Educator
SKY the DEAF HOME RUN HERO
"Sky the Deaf Home Run Hero" is a heartwarming picture book about a deaf boy named Sky who loves to play baseball. Although he faces challenges like being bullied, Sky's superpower of hitting home runs gives him the courage to face his bullies and make new friends. Author Mickey Carolan, raised by deaf parents, drew inspiration from his own experiences to write this uplifting story honoring his Dad.
Read Interview with Mickey Carolan, Children’s Book Author and Child of Deaf Adults (CODA)
THE WILLIAM HOY STORY
The story of William Hoy is inspiring. Despite losing his hearing early, he worked hard to achieve his dream of playing baseball. Hoy faced challenges due to his hearing impairment, but he drew hand signals to communicate with the umpires. This led to the development of the sign language used in baseball today.
Author Nancy Churnin covered a high school play about Hoy and was contacted by Deaf historian Steve Sandy, who was on a mission to have Hoy inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Together, they helped share the story of Hoy's contribution to the game.
Read Blog: Two Worlds Unite - with Picture Book Author Nancy Churnin & Deaf Historian Steve Sandy
Ada and the Helpers
"Be bold! Be brave! Let you be you... and let's help others, too!"That's Ada's motto.
Ada is a dancing, deaf fox with cochlear implants who loves to help others. On her way to dance in a talent show one day, she meets three other creatures who are each facing a physical challenge of their own. She decides to help each of her new friends to see past their challenges and discover their natural, God-given strengths. But can they help her in return? Ada's a bit nervous about the talent show!
You will fall in love with Ada and all her friends in this adorable and timely story, beautifully illustrated by Melissa Fischer, and not without a few surprises.
Read Blog: Interview with Travis D. Peterson, Author of "Ada and the Helpers"
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LISTEN - HOW EVELYN GLENNIE, A DEAF GIRL CHANGED PERCUSSION
A gorgeous and empowering picture book biography about Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world.
"No. You can't," people said.
But Evelyn knew she could. She had found her own way to listen. From when Evelyn Glennie heard her first note, music held her heart. She played the piano by ear at age eight and the clarinet by age ten. But soon, the nerves in her ears began to deteriorate, and Evelyn was told that, as a deaf girl, she could never be a musician.
What sounds Evelyn couldn't hear with her ears, though, she could feel resonate through her body as if she were a drum. And the music she created was extraordinary. Evelyn Glennie had learned how to listen in a new way. And soon, the world was hearing, too.
Read Blog: Shannon Stocker's Fantastic Story: Shannon Stocker Shares a Very Personal Story.
Can Bears Ski?
In an interview, Antrobus says, "He wishes he had a book like this when he was growing up." Hearing parts of communication are missing others. Did they say pears or bears? This is a delightful book to help your little learners be aware of what is heard and what may not be heard and misinterpreted. Enjoy this fun and insightful story by Deaf author Raymond Antrobus.
Read Blog: Deafness in a Hearing World, Through the Lens of Raymond Antrobus
Mighty Mila
Mighty Mila will delight and entertain, encourage, and inspire you and your family with her love for life and powerful determination to be seen as a BIG GIRL now. Debut author and mom Katie Petruzziello created an exquisite book with illustrator Nadja Sarell. Mighty Mila is a real-life story of Mila, her big brother Luca, her little sister Sofia, her mom Katie, and her cool Dad.
Read Blog: Interview with Katie Petruzziello, Author of "Mighty Mila"
The Gallaudet Children's Dictionary of American Sign Language
Do you know that the same sign is used for LAND, AREA, FIELD, AND PROPERTY? "The farmer grows good food on his land."
The Gallaudet Children's Dictionary of American Sign Language 1st Edition by The Editors of Gallaudet University Press (Author), Jean M. Gordon Debbie Tilley (Illustrator), Peggy Swartzel Lott (Illustrator), Daniel Renner (Illustrator), Rob Hills (Illustrator) uses these great features. The illustrations are cute and colorful. The "sign drawings," as Gallaudet's authors call them, are in black and white. Provided are directional arrows to show movement in the production of each sign. This is a beautiful book your child will love and every classroom can appreciate. Gallaudet produced an outstanding ASL Dictionary - Five Stars.
Can You Hear a Rainbow?
Can You Hear a Rainbow? It is a fantastic picture book about a deaf boy named Chris. It is a nonfiction book that follows Chris as he socializes with other children, both hearing and deaf. Chris explores themes of friendship, as well as what makes us different and what makes us similar. Chris is a real-life deaf boy exploring a hearing world but does not let his differences hold him back. He even taught his dog how to respond to sign language!
Read Blog: Can You Hear a Rainbow?: An Exploration of Sound and Friendship
Danny the Dragon "Meets Jimmy" DVD.
Do you love a good story? Do you love it even more told in American Sign Language?" Storytellers Carol Downing and Janis Welch presents a delightful narration signed in American Sign Language. The book is beautifully illustrated in vivid colors and expressive faces. Hear and see Danny and his treasure's adventures together with the whole family! I rate this treasure Five Stars *****.
Danny the Dragon "Meets Jimmy"
When Danny and his family head to the beach, they have no idea what surprise awaits! Danny the Dragon "Meets Jimmy" by Tina Turbin and illustrated by Aija Jasuna. It was published in 2008 by Imagination Publishing Group. It is a charming, fun story the whole family will enjoy. Danny finds a unique shell on the beach, declaring, "It can talk!" In disbelief, his family agrees it is a nice shell, and he can bring it home. What happens at home is unbelievable! The book's illustrations are brilliant in color with vivid, expressive faces. I rate this treasure Five Stars ***** This story is available on DVD, purchased separately.
ABC Phonics - Sing, Sign, and Read!
Learning the ABCs in ASL could not be more fun than with Nellie Edge's spiral-bound book. Illustrated by Gaelan Kelly, each page teaches a sign with simple-to-read instructions. One of the children's favorite signs is "VOLCANO." ABC Phonics is my favorite book to begin teaching children ASL. In thirty minutes, a second-grade class can easily read the instructions and produce the ASL Alphabet and 26 signs. This is an excellent book, an absolute Five Star!
NITA’S FIRST SINGS
Nita’s First Signs is a fantastic book that makes learning American Sign Language fun for kids and parents! It teaches ten essential signs like eat, more, please, and thank you through a sweet story about Nita and her parents. The best part is that it includes clear instructions and tabs for easy reference, making learning and practicing together easy. This unique board book has a pullout on each page, making it fun and interactive for both the child and the parent.
Learn more about author Kathy MacMillian and her books in our blog: Signing & Connecting: A Conversation with Kathy MacMillan.
NITA’S DAY: MORE SIGNS FOR BABIES AND PARENTS
Nita and her family are back in an all-new adventure that teaches 10 basic American Sign Language signs for babies and their grownups to use throughout the day: wake up, change, clothes, eat, potty, go, play, bath, book, and bed. A simple story about Nita and her parents teaches each sign in context, and repetition throughout each story makes them easy to practice. Even better, each page slides open to reveal accurate instructions on how to make each sign, plus tabs on the side of each page make it simple to locate every sign for later reference. No signing book collection is complete without Nita!
Learn more about author Kathy MacMillian and her books in our blog: Signing & Connecting: A Conversation with Kathy MacMillan.
Educational Books
Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language
Loved by children, my granddaughter always insisted on her own copy when she was three. At your fingertips, it is easy to carry with you. Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary 2nd ed. Edition. With the ease of the internet today and so many online resources available, you may not be interested in a pocket dictionary if you are. Universities recommend this one. There are over 1,000 signs clearly illustrated, along with a written explanation to produce the sign using all the parameters. I give this book Four Stars.
LITTLE HANDS & BIG HANDS - CHILDREN & ADULTS SIGNING TOGETHER
"Little Hands & Big Hands—Children & Adults Signing Together" by Kathy MacMillan aims to incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) into daily life. Research shows that signing with young children has numerous benefits, such as reducing frustration, increasing IQ, stimulating language learning, enhancing bonding, and raising a child's self-esteem. The book provides background information on signing with children ages birth to six and hands-on games, finger plays, songs, and more.
Learn more about author Kathy MacMillian and her books in our blog: Signing & Connecting: A Conversation with Kathy MacMillan.
Deaf Culture
Mom Dad Not Hear
Mom Dad Not Hear: 30 Powerful Stories and Lessons about Leadership, Life, and Love from My Deaf Parents
In this endearing, non-traditional memoir, the son of a Deaf mother and father takes you on an adventure inside a culture most of us have never experienced.
In Mom Dad Not Hear, Mickey Carolan exposes the joys and heartaches of living as a hearing person in a non-hearing home, and he shares 30 intimate stories and lessons learned from his life as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).
Read Blog Interview: Interview with Mickey Carolan: CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Author, and Speaker – New Release Mom Dad Not Hear
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A Loss for Words
Lou Ann Walker is a CODA, a Child of a Deaf Adult. Her 1986 book, A Loss for Words: The Story of Deafness in a Family, I first read while attending Madonna University. Lou Ann shares that by writing this book, she unveiled the unspoken secrets of her heart. She revealed truths never spoken about or written about before—at that time, no books discussed Deafness the way she did.
The writing process was therapeutic for her, and she learned that Deaf people, CODAs, and hearing individuals can all relate to the experience of isolation caused by feeling different. Like so many authors, she found the courage to speak from the heart to heal all the broken places. Her story could be ours, too.
This book is a timeless treasure into the beautiful lives and language of the Deaf community and their hearing families.
Girl at War
Sara is the author of Girl at War, an enthralling page-turner with a brilliantly read audiobook version. Her writing is gripping, and her emotions are conveyed with a unique depth. This is not a novel for a child to read. Sara holds back nothing in the vivid descriptions of the atrocity of war.
I join Sara in hoping that the representation of ASL becomes a new normal. In her words,
"Deaf and disability inclusion isn't a box to be ticked off an equity checklist – it's a state of constant progress. It's my hope that the current increase in representation will not be viewed as a fad or a 'moment' for deaf people, but the new normal."
Read Blog: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: Sara Nović and the Representation of Deafness
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True Biz
In her latest novel, True Biz, Sara weaves the lives of the Deaf, and the hearing, their challenges, struggles, and even secrets. Life in a residential school for the Deaf with family dynamics can get complicated and messy. Sara fearlessly tackles the issues of life in true form.
True Biz "For those who loved the Oscar-winning film CODA, a boarding school for deaf students is the setting for a kaleidoscope of experiences."—The Washington Post.
Read More: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: Sara Nović and the Representation of Deafness
Deaf in America from a Culture
Do you know American Sign Language has roots in France? Authors Carol Padden and Tom Humphries share the history and a fascinating look into the culture of Deaf people in America today. “Deaf in America from a Culture” is generally required for beginning sign language classes. Through the seven chapters, you will learn about the history of the Deaf community, their culture, literature, and more. I recommend this with Five Stars *****.
The Perseverance is a profound and unique presentation
The Perseverance is a profound and unique presentation of poetry from the hearts of d/Deaf culture, expressions of identity, and voices longing to be heard. Antrobus is missing nothing through this communication of living silently in a hearing world, not for the faint of heart. Meditations on loss, grief, education, and language, both spoken and signed. It is a book about communication and connection, cultural inheritance, identity in a hearing world that takes everything for granted, and the dangers we may find (both individually and as a society) if we fail to understand each other. Your heart will be touched.
Read Blog: Deafness in a Hearing World, Through the Lens of Raymond Antrobus
In Silence: Growing Up Hearing in a Deaf World
At last, Ruth Sidranksy’s groundbreaking book In Silence: Growing Up Hearing in a Deaf World is back in print. Her account of growing up as the hearing daughter of deaf Jewish parents in the Bronx and Brooklyn during the 1930s and 1940s reveals the challenges deaf people faced during the Depression and afterward.
Sidransky portrays her family with deep affection and honesty, and her frank account provides a living narrative of the Deaf experience in pre- and post-World War II America. In Silence has become an invaluable chronicle of a special time and place that will affect all who read it for years to come.
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America is Immigrants
A gorgeously illustrated collection featuring inspiring immigrants from every country in the world, celebrating the incredible range of what it means to be an American
This dazzling volume brings American immigrant stories to life in short biographies written by award-winning writer Sara Nović, with charming full-color illustrations by Alison Kolesar. At a time when public debate is focused on who belongs in America, this book honors the crucial contributions of our friends and neighbors who have chosen to make this country their home.
War heroes and fashion designers, Supreme Court justices and pop stars, athletes, and civil rights leaders are featured within.
Read Blog: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: Sara Nović and the Representation of Deafness