Read Deaf Authors

There’s something powerful about reading stories told by people who have lived them. This collection highlights books written by Deaf and hard-of-hearing authors across fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. From personal memoirs to imaginative storytelling, these authors offer authentic perspectives, lived experiences, and voices that deserve to be heard, read, and celebrated. 

Fiction 

• True Biz by Sara Novic   

• Give Me A Sign by Anna Sortino   

• The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew   

• The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais   

• Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte 

• Matzah Ball Surprise by Laura Brown 

Non-Fiction 

• Deaf Utopia by Nyle DiMarco   

• I’ll Scream Later by Marlee Matlin   

• Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma   

• Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Fight to End Ableism by Elsa Sjunneson 

• Sounds Like Home: Growing Up Black and Deaf in the South by Mary Herring Wright 

• The Butterfly Cage by Rachel Zemach 

• Silent Courage: An Introvert’s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss by Susan van de Walt 

• Articulate: A Deaf Memoir of Voice by Rachel Kolb 

• I’ll Tell You Later: Deaf Survivors of Dinner Table Syndrome by Kris Ringman, Michael Davidson, and 17 other Deaf and hard of hearing writers, edited by Raymond Luczak 

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Certified Public Accountants: Professional Journeys by Michael E Kane 

Children’s Literature 

• I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler by Karlie Waldrip 

• We Deaf-Initely Can: Let the Adventures Begin (Deaf-Initely Can Series)by Karlie Waldrip 

• Helpful Little Hands by Kristin Blakely 

• I’ve Never Sawn That Before by Kristin Blakely 

• Diary of a Hard of Hearing Kid by John Baier 

• Hands and Hearts by Donna Jo Napoli 

• More Than Words by Roz Maclean 

Know of a book that needs to be added to our list? Email us at talktous@deafservicesunlimited.com!

Q&A 

1. What are the best books written by Deaf and hard of hearing authors? 
   Some of the best books written by Deaf and hard-of-hearing authors include True Biz by Sara Novic, Deaf Utopia by Nyle DiMarco, I’ll Scream Later by Marlee Matlin, and Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma. These books offer authentic perspectives on Deaf culture, identity, communication access, and lived experiences across both fiction and nonfiction genres.  

2. What books help people learn about Deaf culture and the Deaf experience? 
   Books about Deaf culture and the Deaf experience help readers better understand communication, accessibility, identity, and community within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing world. Popular recommendations include True Biz by Sara Novic, Sounds Like Home by Mary Herring Wright, Articulate by Rachel Kolb, and I’ll Tell You Later: Deaf Survivors of Dinner Table Syndrome. These books are valuable for educators, interpreters, family members, and anyone wanting to learn directly from Deaf voices.  

3. Are there children’s books that feature Deaf or hard of hearing characters? 
   Yes. Many children’s books now feature Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters and promote inclusion, communication access, and self-confidence. Recommended titles include I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler by Karlie Waldrip, Helpful Little Hands by Kristin Blakely, Diary of a Hard of Hearing Kid by John Baier, and Hands and Hearts by Donna Jo Napoli. These books help children see disability representation in positive and empowering ways.  

4. What are the best fiction books featuring Deaf characters? 
   Popular fiction books featuring Deaf characters include True Biz by Sara Novic, Give Me A Sign by Anna Sortino, The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais, and Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte. These novels explore Deaf identity, relationships, communication barriers, and representation while telling compelling stories for teen and adult readers.  

5. Why is Deaf representation in literature important? 
   Deaf representation in literature is important because it helps normalize accessibility, promotes inclusion, and allows Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to see their experiences reflected in stories. Books written by Deaf authors also provide authentic insight into Deaf culture, sign language, education, advocacy, and everyday life while helping hearing readers build understanding and awareness.