It's My Story: Duke the Deaf Dog Series Chapter Book

Duke the Deaf Dog discovers that being deaf isn't a problem to 'fix' but a part of what makes him special.

Meet Duke, a fun-loving second grader who loves to draw, play baseball, and explore the world around him. With his hearing aid and American Sign Language, Duke communicates in his own unique way. Through his adventures, Duke learns that being Deaf is a part of who he is, and it doesn’t need to be fixed.

In this heartwarming chapter book, Duke navigates school, friendships, and family life, showing that everyone has their unique way to learn and play. Young readers will relate to Duke's struggles and triumphs as he embraces his identity and finds his place in both the hearing and deaf worlds. Perfect for ages 6-10, this story celebrates self-acceptance, inclusion, and the joy of discovering what makes us special.

With easy-to-read text and engaging illustrations, this book is ideal for emerging readers eager to explore new perspectives, learn a bit of sign language, and understand that our unique traits are what make us heroes.

Emerging readers ages 6-10 will love this engaging chapter book:

• Insightful lessons on Deaf culture and ASL: Encourage understanding and empathy among young readers.
• Relatable school experiences: Address common classroom and social challenges faced by children.
• Fun and educational adventures: Inspire a love of learning and diversity.
• Plus, join Slink the caterpillar in “Slink’s Question Crawl” at the end of each chapter, where our curious friend helps readers think about Duke’s adventures and discover more about the story!

Discover Duke's story today and inspire your students with his second-grade adventures!

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children's books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.Parents, kids, and teachers love the children's books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it's due.A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.

Italian illustrator Caterina Baldi is also an author and translator. Her grandmother became deaf as a girl following meningitis, and everyone in the house talked to her by lipreading and invented gestures known as "home signs." Caterina connected with Duke's story because her mother is also deaf in one ear and doesn't like missing out on meaningful conversations. Settenove published Caterina's picture book Three Cats in the Sink in May 2022. Caterina doesn't own any pets, but the dogs and cats in her neighbourhood are all her friends.