Overview

Even with her hearing aid, Kaylee works harder than anyone knows just to keep up. Kaylee loves running fast and hanging out with her best friend Zoe. But when background noise fills the cafeteria or gym, even her new hearing aid can't help her catch every word. Missing instructions in PE class is frustrating, and embarrassing. With Field Day coming up and the relay race on the line, Kaylee needs a solution. When her audiologist introduces her to a small wireless microphone, it might be exactly what she needs, if she can find the courage to ask her teacher to wear it in front of everyone. This week, Kaylee will learn that the right tools can help, that speaking up gets a little easier with practice, and that sometimes the biggest changes start with something small. A realistic, empowering story about finding your voice, one small step at a time. A Little Mic, A Big Change tells a heartfelt, realistic story about what it's like to navigate school with hearing loss: misunderstandings, frustration, courage, and all. Filled with friendship, teamwork, humor, and hope, this book empowers every kid to be a better communicator and a stronger ally. Perfect for readers ages 8-13, classrooms, book clubs, and anyone who's ever felt lost in the noise. Reading Level: Grade 4 Interest Level: Grades 3-8 Genre: Realistic Fiction

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Reviews

""Kaylee's interactions at school felt like a chapter from my own life. A Little Mic, A Big Change is an outstanding representation that will help Deaf students feel less alone and their peers understand more thoroughly."" -Teenager with Hearing Loss ""A Little Mic, A Big Change provides a heartfelt and realistic portrayal of everyday challenges faced by students with hearing loss. The story weaves together real-life scenarios, personal thoughts, and solutions in a way that will be relatable to those living with hearing loss."" -Educational Audiologist ""As a hard of hearing child, no one taught me how to advocate for myself or how to cope with those who did not understand the effects of hearing loss. This book would have provided some of that and given me a boost."" -Adult with Hearing Loss ""My 7-year-old and I are both hearing impaired and enjoyed this accurate portrayal of hearing loss in the school system. An enjoyable and relatable story for families dealing with hearing challenges."" -Parent of a Child with Hearing Loss ""This book is ideal for young readers with hearing loss and for those who are their friends, supporters, and caregivers. It is written in a voice of lived experience and from an authentic perspective."" -Middle Grade Classroom Teacher ""Katherine Rybak has captured what it would be like for a grade schooler to navigate details about hearing loss and technology that could help in the school setting."" -Speech & Language Pathologist ""I definitely got emotional during parts of the book. When Kaylee spoke up to tell Mr. Holt the mic was muted, it was a very powerful scene."" -Adult with Hearing Loss ""The point about how tiring it is to hear-I didn't make that connection until I was in my 30s."" -Adult with Hearing Loss ""As someone with a family member with hearing loss, I feel I have a better understanding of their experience."" -Family Member

Author Information

Katherine S. Rybak spent over 30 years as a special education teacher, culminating in her work as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Born hard of hearing herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing. Katherine is the creator of the Hearing Empowered series, which includes resources for children, adults, and families navigating life with hearing loss. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

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