HOW DO YOU DEAF?
This is the first book in Kerry’s “Thriving with Hearing Loss” series. It’s created especially for D/deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 11 and over, to help them discover their identity, their place in the world and their own voice (in whichever way they choose).
It’s not a textbook telling young people how to “fix” themselves. It’s about unleashing their own power. Because no-one needs anyone else’s permission to own their deafness - or their life.
Above all, this book is real. It’s honest. It’s filled with true stories, reflections, and gentle journaling prompts to help young people explore who they are, how they deaf, what really matters to them and most importantly… to feel seen.
“I’ve always believed that our stories — especially the messy, misunderstood, and misheard parts — can become someone else’s survival guide.
This project is deeply personal. It’s the book I wish I had growing up — when I felt alone, unheard, or like I had to explain myself just to exist in certain spaces.
Now, I'm turning lived experience into something that can meet young people where they are — and remind them that they are not broken, too much, or behind.”
~ Kerry Tidman, Author
Review on Amazon
Deaf Mentor in a book
This book is a book I wish I had when I was younger. I read it front to back in one sitting. It was an echo of many of my own experiences and deep, hidden feelings.
Buy it. Read it. Use it.
My one complaint about the field of Deaf Education is that it focuses on how to self advocate, what to say, to whom, list parts of your hearing aids etc. While this is beneficial, professionals never seem to touch on the root of WHY we won't advocate for ourselves. They don't talk about the shame or the feelings plaguing us, preventing us from feeling worthy to speak up for ourselves.
This book walks you through self reflection in a gentle way. I love the bite size passages with journal reflection pages. It allows you space to process your own experiences. It is a wonderful tool to use with your children or students to connect and understand them. While there are PHENOMENAL professionals out there, sometimes it takes a Deaf Mentor to really understand you and your experiences, and guide you through them.
I, 1,000% recommend this book!! Please use it with your children and students.
Thank you, Kerry Tidman, for sharing being brave and vulnerable. Sharing a piece of your heart. ❤️
*****
Reader reaction
Wow. I just finished reading ‘How Do You Deaf?’ by Kerry Tidman. My favourite quote is: “You can’t win a fight playing by someone else’s rules.”
Define who you are, create your own path, and set high expectations for yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to set them for you.
Thank you @deafinitelykerry for sharing your story and your journey. You have my respect. I know it not easy!!! I am beyond proud of you. I know u going inspire thousands and millions. Keep up good work!
Publisher reaction
When I first read Kerry's manuscript, I cried. When I read it again, l cried again. But somewhere deep inside, my heart soared too.
This book has the power to shift mindsets. It's courageous, raw, honest. Heart-rending and triumphant. It opens your eyes.
It lifts you up and supports you.
As the mother of a deaf child, I still feel torn apart reading it, but also so full of hope and optimism - oh, the possibilities and joy!
If you are a young deaf person, please read this book.
If you are not, please read it anyway.
I defy anyone not to be profoundly moved. It may forever change the way you think.
For this is not a book just about deafness but about life.
~ Tanya Saunders, Founder, AVID Language