Duke the Deaf Dog Books Named CBC Favorites Award Winners
Big news from the Emerald Prairie Press HQ (aka my home office, complete with the cardboard cutout of Duke): Two Duke the Deaf Dog books have been named to the 2025 CBC Favorites Awards Lists!
📚 I Belong Here was selected as a Teacher Favorite
📚 IEPs R4U and Me was selected as a Librarian Favorite
These awards are part of a national literacy program where kids, teachers, and librarians read newly published books and vote for the ones they love most. It’s an incredible honor to have these stories recognized by the very people who share books with young readers every day.
About the Children’s Book Council (CBC) Favorites Awards
For more than 50 years, the CBC and ILA (International Literacy Association) have collaborated on what has become one of the most trusted children’s booklists in the country. After a brief pause in 2020, the CBC now coordinates the program in full.
Each year, educators, librarians, and over 65 coordinators nationwide display hundreds of new books in their classrooms and libraries. The books with the most votes from students, teachers, and librarians earn a spot on the CBC Favorites Awards Lists. There are 12 themed lists in total, showcasing books that readers of all ages truly loved.
Why This Means So Much
If you’ve been following along, you know how passionate I am about writing stories that reflect everyday Deaf experiences with humor, heart, and a touch of second-grade chaos.
In fact, I’ve worked as an American Sign Language interpreter for more than 30 years, and during that time I’ve had the privilege of learning from Deaf students, their families, and educators. The ideas and moments in these books come directly from real conversations, experiences, and friendships.
One of my favorite parts of the series is how each book includes contributions from Deaf adults who share their personal experiences related to the story’s theme. As a result, their insights help shape the books into authentic, engaging stories that connect with both Deaf and hearing readers. I’m thankful to the Deaf friends who trusted me with their stories and helped bring Duke’s world to life.
That’s why having these books recognized by teachers and librarians through the CBC Favorites Awards means so much. These are the people who help kids discover books they’ll remember for a lifetime. Knowing that they connected with these stories reminds me why elevating these stories matters.
Looking ahead, my hope is that more students in general education classrooms will get the chance to read these books and learn about their Deaf and hard of hearing classmates and friends. These chapter books are written for all kids. They celebrate the idea that everyone deserves to feel like they belong.
Meet the Award-Winning Books
🐾 I Belong Here – Teacher Favorite Winner
Sometimes, fitting in can be tough.
Duke the Deaf Dog is a fun-loving second grader who enjoys drawing, playing baseball, and exploring the world around him. He uses a hearing aid and American Sign Language to communicate in his own way, and that can make school feel challenging at times.
Young readers will relate to Duke’s struggles and triumphs as he finds his place in both the hearing and deaf worlds. In many ways, his experiences reflect the real-life challenges many kids face when they feel different, and his journey encourages understanding and empathy.
This chapter book is ideal for readers ages 6 to 10 who are curious about other perspectives, want to learn some ASL, and are discovering that being unique is what makes us special.
Why kids and teachers love it:
- Includes “Slink’s Question Crawl” prompts to guide reflection and discussion
- Introduces Deaf culture and ASL in a friendly, approachable way
- Shows realistic school and social experiences kids can relate to
📘 IEPs R4U and Me – Librarian Favorite Winner
Self-advocacy is a superpower.
In this story, Duke the Deaf Dog returns to navigate the ups and downs of school, friendships, and family life. When he learns more about his Individualized Education Plan (IEP), he discovers that getting support in school isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It’s something to be proud of.
Through teasing, learning struggles, and everyday challenges, Duke finds confidence in asking for what he needs and understanding how he learns best.
This chapter book is a great fit for readers ages 6 to 10. It introduces IEPs in a kid-friendly way and encourages conversations around learning differences, inclusion, and self-advocacy.
Why kids, librarians, and educators love it:
- Reflects real school experiences that many kids will recognize
- Explains IEPs in a clear and relatable way
- Encourages empathy and self-confidence
Thank You, Readers 💚
To every teacher, librarian, and parent who has shared Duke’s stories with their kids—thank you. These books are for all the children learning to be themselves, request what they need, and embrace the things that make them unique.
Stay tuned for more celebrations (and a happy dance or two)!
🖐🤟
Kelly
You can download the 2025 CBC Favorites Awards reading lists PDFs here:
Get the media kit with shareable images and press release here.
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.
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