Award-winning author Cece Bell to speak at Radford University

Children’s author and illustrator Cece Bell will speak at the Radford University Bonnie Auditorium at 6:30 p.m., April 11.

Bell’s talk is free and open to the public. She will speak about the writing and history of her award-winning graphic novel “El Deafo.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing after the event.

Radford University’s College of Education and Human Development, School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL), Teaching Resources Center and McConnell Library are sponsoring Bell’s talk in a community partnership with Radford Reads and the Radford Public Library.

“In this time of standards, high-stakes testing and accountability, children’s literature isn’t always given a high priority in elementary classrooms,” said STEL Assistant Professor Carol Bland. “Ms. Bell’s presentation about her award-winning book whose main character is deaf can help us all understand the value of inclusive literature in building community and recognizing the gifts that all students bring to the classroom.”

Bell also will speak at the Radford Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on April 24. There, she will talk about writing “El Deafo,” “Sock Monkey” and other titles. Bell’s books will be available for purchase and signing.

Bell won the Newbery Medal Honor and Eisner Award in 2015 for “El Deafo,” which chronicles her childhood experiences with hearing loss.

Her other books include the Geisel Honor-winning “Rabbit & Robot,” “I Yam a Donkey,” “Bee-Wigged,” “Itty Bitty,” and the “Sock Monkey” series. She has created books with her husband, author Tom Angleberger, which include “Crankee Doodle” and the “Inspector Flytrap” series. Bell and her husband live in nearby Montgomery County.

To learn more about Bell’s talks, contact Bland at cbland@radford.edu.