I have a sister – my sister is deaf

Peterson, Jeanne Whitehouse. I have as sister – my sister is deaf. Illus. Ray Deborah. New York: Harper Collins, 1977.

This book is written in a light hearted perspective of a girl who has a deaf little sister. The main character discusses her life experiences with a deaf sister and some of the things her sister goes through on a daily basis. The main character really describes her deaf sister in a positive portrayal. She emphasizes that being deaf isn’t a bad thing and doesn’t physically hurt a person; it’s just a different way of living. One thing she emphasizes is that even though her sister is unable to speak she does a better job then anyone revealing her thoughts and emotions through actions and expressions.

This book really tackles the fact that being deaf should not be looked at as a disadvantage in life or being less fortunate. Being deaf is just different and there are many things the deaf individuals excel at even though they are unable to hear. For example; in this book the deaf little sister is able to notice quick small movements within the grass because of her sharp vision. The book really explains to the reader what a deaf individual experiences on a daily basis to better develop their knowledge on the issue. I think it’s important for readers to understand the lifestyle of deaf individuals so they won’t look at their hearing loss but the characteristics that they have and develop. Overall, I felt the book really gave the reader a sense of what life was like for a deaf individual and also what it is like to be surrounded my a deaf person and the means of communication that needs to be present.