Deaf Child Crossing
By: Marlee Matlin
Megan is a 9 year old girl who is deaf. When Cindy, who also is nine and is hearing, moves into Megan’s neighborhood, they become instant friends. Due to their language barrier, Cindy decides to learn ASL so that Megan won’t always have to read her lips. When Cindy convinces Megan to go to camp, their friendship is tested. Megan is frustrated with Cindy because she offers help when Megan doesn’t want it and Megan ditches Cindy to hang out with Lizzie, who also is deaf. The two leave camp not talking. After a big blow-up at the bus stop, Megan and Cindy renew their friendship. As a sign of their dedication to each other, “Cindy held out her finger and grabbed Megan’s finger. She turned their hands over to make the sign for ‘friend’” (199-200). This novel gives children a relatable story to read and helps them realize that they are not alone. Differences in the deaf and hearing cultures may make friendship difficult at times, but this doesn’t mean that it is impossible. This story teaches that you have to take the time to get to know both cultures and understand the differences and learn to respect both. Written by an insider, this book provides an insider’s view on being nine and deaf.
Matlin, M. (2002). Deaf Child Crossing. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks
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