As a teacher of students with disabilities, I know you are constantly searching for picture books that represent your students. For students who are deaf or hard of hearing- Mighty Mila (written by Katie Petruzziello and illustrated by Nadja Sarell) is the perfect choice!
Representation Matters!
Mighty Mila is written by Katie Petruzziello and is illustrated by Nadja Sarell and is one of my favorite books on my inclusion stories shelf!
Mighty Mila is the story of a bold and determined girl named Mila, who is deaf and wears cochlear implants. Representation of children who are hard of hearing, deaf, or those who use cochlear implants is often lacking in children’s books, and Mighty Mila fills that gap on my classroom shelf. By showcasing Mila’s experiences in a fun, relatable way, the book gives children with similar experiences the opportunity to see themselves in a story.
Mighty Mila gives an opportunity to promote inclusion in the classroom. For kids unfamiliar with hearing loss or cochlear implants, Mila’s journey fosters empathy and helps break down stereotypes about what it means to have a disability. Mila isn’t defined by her cochlear implants; she’s a kid who loves to explore, try new things, be independent, and solve challenges just like everyone else.
Use Mighty Mila in your Classroom!
SSE loves this book so much that we have a book companion for it! Our Mighty Mila Book Companion gives you everything you need to teach a lesson based on this amazing book!
🌟Leveled Comprehension Quizzes
🌟Visuals
🌟Craft (with real picture visuals)
🌟Vocabulary Cards
🌟Sequencing Worksheets
🌟Story Map Visuals
🌟Story Map Worksheet
🌟Teacher Planning Guide
Why It’s Important
The author Katie Petruzziello wrote this book inspired by her own daughters experience with being deaf and having cochlear implants. We absolutely love that she is empowering children who are deaf and hard of hearing and inspiring inclusion with everyone who reads it!
For many children, encountering someone with cochlear implants or other assistive devices may be a new experience. Mighty Mila opens up the opportunity for parents and educators to have conversations about hearing loss, inclusivity, and the importance of celebrating differences.
The book encourages kids to see the world through a more inclusive lens, promoting acceptance in a way that feels natural and approachable. Rather than focusing on Mila’s hearing loss, the story normalizes her experience and shows that she’s just like any other child, full of curiosity and excitement for life.
Click here for the link to the hardcover book and use code BEMIGHTY for 25% off.
Click here for the link to Simply Special Ed’s Book Companion to use this lesson your classroom.
Interested in more book companions that celebrate inclusion? Check out this blog post!
