Turi’s Book Corner
Welcome to Turi’s Book Corner, where Portland Parent Guide, Turi Hoaglin, shares with you some of her favorite children and adult books! Learn more about Turi, or how to get in touch with her, on our Guide By Your Side page!
Turi’s Book Corner (August 2026)
Late to the Party: Extraordinary Stories of Hope After Late Identified Hearing Loss
By Valerie James Abbott
If your child has been identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing later than expected, this is a must-read.
Late to the Party is a collection of real-life stories from a diverse group of families. I was struck by how many common threads ran through their experiences. Many of the emotions, challenges, and questions these parents faced will feel familiar to other families navigating a late identification.
The book also highlights an important reality: many medical professionals still don’t fully understand the urgency of providing children with early access to language. Language is the foundation for cognitive development, and children have a relatively short window during which that foundation can be built most effectively.
This book is filled with honest, valuable lessons, moments of frustration, and, most importantly, hope.
Purchase on Amazon with this link to support the author:
https://a.co/d/04cLjgwy
The Deaf Mainstreamed Peacock
By Chelsea Lydell
The Deaf Mainstreamed Peacock is a wonderful book for children who may be the only Deaf or Hard of Hearing student in their school. While the goal is always meaningful inclusion, many DHH children still experience feelings of isolation.
Through a relatable story, the book highlights simple yet powerful ways children can feel more included while taking pride in and embracing their Deaf identity. Written by a Deaf author with lived experience, the story offers an authentic perspective that many children and families will appreciate.
Beautifully illustrated and filled with an empowering message, this book reminds young readers that being Deaf is just one part of who they are and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Purchase on Amazong with this link to support the author:
https://a.co/d/062pYK5c
Turi’s Book Corner (June 2026)
DEER RUN HOME
By Ann Clare LeZotte
For Ages 10-14
I love how this book is written in verse, making it accessible for developing readers and easy to follow with its short chapters.
The story follows Effie, a young girl who has experienced language deprivation for much of her life. At its heart, this is a powerful story about how everyone deserves to be loved, cared for, and feel safe.
When Effie’s sign language interpreter begins to suspect that she is being neglected, she helps Effie discover what it means to have enough food, clothing, and shelter. More importantly, she helps Effie find her voice, build connections, and experience the love and support every child deserves.
The book also thoughtfully explores themes of progress and development, highlighting the impact that human expansion can have on the habitats of the creatures that were here first.
A touching, thought-provoking story and another great read.
Purchase on Amazon here:
THE DEAF BABY INSTRUCTION MANUAL
By Will Fertman
Where was this book when I was raising my daughter?
Will Fertman skillfully combines humor with current research on one of the most important aspects of a deaf or hard of hearing child’s development: language. He makes a compelling case for learning ASL, even when it feels challenging, because language access is essential for healthy brain development.
Written by a parent who has truly “lived it,” this book honestly explores the ups and downs of raising a DHH child. Fertman’s relatable storytelling and candid observations make it feel like you’re having a conversation with another parent who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. One of my favorite lines was the reminder that “Deaf Ed” is not actually a person! Even the footnotes are entertaining and worth reading.
What I appreciated most was the book’s authenticity. It acknowledges the realities families face while offering practical information, encouragement, and plenty of humor along the way. After all, isn’t that exactly what parents need?
I highly recommend this book for parents of newly identified deaf or hard of hearing children, as well as anyone looking to better understand the critical role language plays in a child’s development.
A wonderful, informative, and enjoyable read! I loved it!
Purchase on Amazon here:
https://a.co/d/0gJRpNDP
Turi’s Book Corner (April 2026)
SOMEONE TO DAYDREAM ABOUT
By Sydney Langford
This YA novel delivers all the charm of a great rom-com. It has everything you could want: boy bands, friendship, personal growth, and, of course, a sweet love story.
At its heart, the book thoughtfully explores the spectrum of deafness, showing how communication styles can vary and how people learn to understand and accommodate one another. It beautifully blends Deaf culture with pop culture, using a shared love of boy bands to highlight both connection and the broader social divides between the “haves” and “have-nots.”
Oregon author Sydney has truly delivered again—I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.
Purchase on Amazon here:
https://a.co/d/07Peiwbc
THE GALLAUDET ELEVEN
By Kerry O’Malley Cerra
Although this book is written for ages six to eight, it’s one that readers of all ages can appreciate.
Before the Mercury Program ever launched, NASA faced a major challenge: motion sickness. Solving it was critical to the future of space travel—and that’s where these pioneers came in. The Gallaudet Eleven were selected precisely because they didn’t experience motion sickness, helping researchers better understand how the body responds to extreme movement. Their contributions played an important role in making human spaceflight possible.
Many of us grew up hearing about NASA’s early days, including the infamous “Vomit Comet,” where astronauts trained and often became ill. This book adds an important and often overlooked chapter to that history.
When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, he said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” But Barron Gulak, one of the Eleven, offered a perspective that resonates just as deeply: “A small step for the Deaf community, a big leap for the disabled world.”
This inspiring story is a powerful reminder that there are no limits for DHH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) children. It’s an important addition to any library.
Purchase on Amazon here:
https://a.co/d/0b3PfsGn
Turi’s Book Corner (March 2026)
You’re No Different Than Me
By Cynthia Green
Turi’s Book Corner (February 2026)
While Saffron has some inital struggles at her new school, she finds that her new friends will support her. We learn how hard and tiring it can be to wear a hearing and that hearing fatigue is real.
Follow the author on Instagram: @rienealwriter
If you like a paranormal read this book is for you!
Turi’s Book Corner (January 2026)
Song for a Whale
By Lynne Kelly
Iris is lonely. She is the only deaf student at her school and is unable to directly communicate with anyone other than her interpreter. Her grandparents are deaf and her grandfather recently died leaving her grandmother very lonely.
Her journey takes her to band class where classmates record a song for Blue 55. When no one will help her to get the song to Blue 55 her adventure with her grandmother continues.
Turi’s Book Corner (November 2025)
Turi’s Book Corner (October 2025)
Hello Universe
By Erin Entrada Kelly
This book is a Newberry Award winner.
Virgil is misunderstood by his family and Valencia is deaf, clever and stubborn.
This is a coming of age story set in middle school with friendships that are strong, a bully in the middle and a caring Grandmother that understands her grandson.
When Virgil gets himself in trouble, his friends rescue him. How he is able to find his voice is an important lesson for all of us.
We also go on a cultural journey with the friends and learn how they relate within their group and their family.
It’s a great read!
Turi’s Book Corner (August 2025)
That Deaf Guy: A Family Portrait
By Matt and Kay Daigle
This is a collection of Matt and Kay’s web comic. If you live with someone who is D/HH you will be laughing out loud.
They write about real life situations that we can all relate to.
There are also bonus features of “Extreme Interpreting” and “Deaf Real” that are parodies of movies.
A great read before school gets started!
Purchase with our Amazon Associate link to support Hands & Voices of Oregon: https://amzn.to/4mNvS8S
Turi’s Book Corner (July 2025)
Love Sounds Like
By Hannan Jensen Conway
This is a sweet book which explores love by sound, smell, feel, taste, and sight before Shepherd gets his CI (cochlear implant.)
We all know that love comes in many forms and it’s something that we need to explain and give language to for our DHH kiddos.
This is a wonderful read-aloud book for the whole family.
This is also a book I think grandparents and extended family would love to have, too!
Purchase with our Amazon Associate link to support Hands & Voices of Oregon: https://amzn.to/4etuF3u
Maybe Now
By Collen Hoover
This book picks up where MAYBE SOMEDAY ends. Ridge and Sydney finally get together and figure out where they go from here. The characters are navigating communication with Sydney learning to sign. Maggie is figuring out what her life will look like with her illness and without Ridge. Throw in Waren and Bridgette’s drama and you have a wonderful beach read.
There are three love stories and deep friendships all woven together masterfully by Collen Hoover.
Purchase with our Amazon Associate link to support Hands & Voices of Oregon: https://amzn.to/4exepP7
