There’s a reason that 12-year-old Tony, a character in my just-off-the-press novel Paintball Island, happens to be deaf. A few years ago just after I spoke at a literacy conference, a deaf-interpreter studying to be a teacher approached me to say, “Did you know that are almost no kids’ books with deaf or hard-of-hearing characters? Maybe you could write one!”
Bam! That was the genesis of Tony, and that interpreter (Kirsten Hagemoen) ended up working with me to ensure Tony’s and the plot’s authenticity. Last week I had my first feedback on Paintball Island. Renate Ford, a tutor and retired teacher, wrote this after reading Paintball Island:
“This little book is an exciting adventure story for both boys and girls – of any age. The tale of Max and his family, who run paintball games on their island home, will captivate even reluctant readers (as one of my students can attest). In addition, a second story line introduces a young deaf character who first faces misunderstanding from his teammates, but is eventually accepted as a regular member of the group. Pam Withers approaches the issue of deaf culture with sensitivity and understanding. Bravo!”
Well, bravo for Kirsten, who took the initiative to ask all that time ago. My most fervent hope, as always, is that it inspires kids to read. Maybe deaf and hard-of-hearing kids will find that Tony resonates with them, and perhaps more importantly, kids without his issues will come away with a better understanding of fellow students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Either way, it was fun writing Paintball Island!
P.S. The sign above is for “P,” the first letter in the book title as well as in my name.
